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Your Questions Answered
We know that handing over the lead is a big decision — one built on trust, care, and understanding.
That’s why we’ve gathered answers to the questions we hear most often, so you can feel confident and informed every step of the way.
If you don’t see your question here, just reach out. We’re always happy to chat.
We welcome friendly, sociable adult dogs, as well as those who may be a little shy or need extra time to settle in. The trails are typically too long for young puppies, but we provide a specialist puppy service for younger dogs.
For everyone’s safety and enjoyment, dogs who show aggression towards other dogs are not suited to group walks.We offer a free meet & greet to dogs we believe are a good fit for Training Trails. We’ll come to you for a friendly chat and a short walk to get to know your dog, gently assessing things like sociability, and confidence. If we don’t think our service is the right match, we’ll always be honest — and may suggest other options.
Your dog will be picked up from home and transported in our van to the days chosen trail location. Each Training Trail will last a minimum of 90 minutes and include walking, training and enrichment activities tailored to your dog's needs. After the trail ends your dog will be checked over, dried down if needed and dropped off back home.
Every dog is offered a minimum of two settle-in solo sessions. These individual walks last around 90 minutes from pick-up to drop-off and usually take place in the afternoon. They give us a chance to get to know your dog, build trust, and introduce them gently to our routine and van travel. The goal is to help your dog feel safe, relaxed, and ready to enjoy their adventures with us.
Training Trails currently run in the mornings. Your dog will usually be picked up between 8:30am and 10:00am, and returned home between 12:00pm and 1:30pm.
During your dog’s settling-in period, initial solo walks may take place at different times depending on availability.Nope! Most clients provide a key or entry code so we can collect your dog even when you’re out. We’ll agree on the best setup for your home and make sure everything runs smoothly and securely.
Yes — when it’s safe and appropriate. With your consent, your dog may enjoy off-lead time in appropriate areas once we’ve built a strong bond and are confident in their recall. It’s always at the dog walker’s discretion and guided by safety, location, and your dog’s readiness.
We explore some of Edinburgh’s most beautiful nature spots — from hills and woodlands to rivers, fields, and beaches — never just a run around the park. Each trail route is chosen with care to suit the group, giving your dog a safe, enriching adventure every time.
Rain, wind, or shine — Training Trails keeps going! As long as it's safe, your dog will still enjoy their adventure, with routes adapted for comfort and safety. In extreme weather (e.g. storms, icy conditions, or heatwaves), we’ll adjust plans as needed — whether that means a shorter session, more enrichment and scentwork, or cancelling if absolutely necessary. Your dog’s wellbeing always comes first, and we’ll keep you updated if any changes are needed.
Yes — we assess each dog individually, based on their temperament and suitability for the group.
We currently serve the following areas of Edinburgh: Polwarth, Bruntsfield, Morningside, The Grange, Blackford and nearby areas. If you’re slightly further afield, feel free to get in touch — we may be able to accommodate you or add you to our waiting list.
Training Trails is fully insured, Disclosure Scotland checked, registered as a professional dog walking service with The City of Edinburgh Council and accredited with The Dog Walkers and Sitters Association. Each trail is led by a qualified canine behaviour specialist, professional dog walker and certified canine first aider.