Building Confidence in Your Dog: Support for Pet Dogs and Assistance Dogs in Scotland

Training a dog — whether they’re a pet dog or an assistance dog in training — is one of the most rewarding journeys you can take.

At Bond and Behave, we support dog owners across Scotland, including those beginning the process of owner-training an assistance dog, as well as families looking for gentle, effective pet dog training.

From early life skills to advanced behaviour work, both pet dogs and assistance dogs benefit from ethical, confidence-building training methods that strengthen the bond between you and your dog.

Assistance Dog Training in Scotland

Many people don’t realise that in the UK — and especially here in Scotland — it is completely legal to owner-train an assistance dog. This means you don’t need to be given a dog by a charity; instead, you can train your own dog to support your disability, and get help from a trainer.

We work with a variety of Scottish assistance dog teams, supporting dogs who help with:

• mobility support

• Guide and Hearing tasks

• autism support

• psychiatric assistance tasks

• medical alert

• PTSD support

• emotional regulation

• retrieval tasks and deep pressure therapy

  
  

Every assistance dog in training deserves guidance that is accessible, low-pressure and tailored to their handler’s needs.

At Bond and Behave, we specialise in supporting disabled owners throughout the entire training process — from puppyhood right up to reliable task work.

Pet Dog Training Across Scotland

Not every dog is an assistance dog, but every dog needs good life skills.

Our pet dog training classes are designed to help dogs learn:

• loose lead walking

• recall

• calm behaviour

• socialisation

• basic manners

• confidence around other dogs and people

  
  

Whether you're in the Scottish Borders, central Scotland, or the surrounding areas, we support families looking for positive pet dog training that actually fits into real life.

Why Confidence Matters for Both Pet Dogs and Assistance Dogs

Whether you're training a companion dog or a fully qualified assistance dog, confidence is the foundation of everything. A confident dog learns more easily, feels safer in the world and responds calmly to new environments.

Confidence-building is especially important for assistance dogs, who need to work in public places like:

• shops

• cafés

• supermarkets

• medical settings

• public transport

  
  

We support teams with gradual exposure, appropriate socialisation and personalised training plans so that your dog feels safe and capable in all the places you need them.

Scottish Assistance Dogs: Supportive, Ethical, Accessible

Scotland is home to many amazing assistance dog teams and the demand for accessible, understanding trainers is growing.

We are proud to help fill that gap by providing:

• ethical, fear-free training

• low-cost class options

• disability-aware guidance

• realistic training plans that suit fluctuating health

• support for new assistance dog owners

• help understanding public access, tasks, and legal rights

  
  

Our classes help both pet dogs and future assistance dogs learn essential skills in a supportive, welcoming environment.

Ready to Start Training?

Whether you're looking for pet dog classes or support for your assistance dog in training, our January programmes are now open for booking.

If you’re looking for:

• assistance dog training in Scotland

• pet dog training classes

• support for Scottish assistance dogs

• confidence-building for anxious dogs

• ethical training that meets disabled handlers where they are

  
  

Bond and Behave is here to help.

Get in Touch

If you're ready to begin your training journey — whether with a playful puppy, a lively pet dog or a dedicated assistance dog in training — we’d love to support you.

Contact us through our website or social media

Classes starting January 2026

Low-cost, accessible, supportive

Your dog’s future starts with confidence — and we’re here to help you build it.