Tenements, trams and the waterfront.
- Local authority
- City of Edinburgh Council
- Postcode district
- EH6
- From Edinburgh
- In town
- Main roads
- Leith Walk, Constitution Street and Ferry Road
- Where dogs walk
- Leith Links, the Water of Leith Walkway and the Shore
Most homes in Leith are tenement flats reached by a shared stair, and dogs spend a great deal of time in stairwells. A dog that barks at every footstep, or charges downstairs, causes real trouble for neighbours. Teaching a settle on a mat, a wait at the door and a calm walk down one step at a time makes every outing more peaceful.
Trams now run down Leith Walk, adding a new kind of noise to an already busy street, with bells, braking and crowds at stops. Introduce the sound gradually: start at a distance, reward calm behaviour and move closer over several sessions. Dogs raised in the area from puppyhood often take it in their stride.
Leith Links is a large green space where many dogs meet daily, and the Water of Leith Walkway is a narrower, shaded path beside the river. Cyclists and runners share the walkway, so a calm step to the side and a "with me" cue help everyone. Gulls swoop for food on the Links, so a strong leave-it for dropped chips is useful.
The Shore and the dockside have cobbles, tables spilling onto the pavement and a lively evening crowd. A dog that can lie under a table and ignore the bustle is a delight, and it is a skill worth practising early. Sea haar rolls in on cool mornings and the wind off the Forth can be sharp, so keep a towel and a coat handy.
General estimates in pounds. The trainer you choose sets the final price.
In-Home Visits£50 to £100 per visit→Behaviour Help£250 to £700 per behaviour plan→Private Lessons£40 to £80 per lesson→Getting started, step by step.
- Note down what your dog finds hard, such as stairs, cobbled streets, other dogs, fireworks or being left.
- Ask each trainer how they teach, whether they work near Leith and what they do when a dog becomes overwhelmed.
- Pick one cue and repeat it every day on your usual walk around Leith Links, the Water of Leith Walkway and the Shore for a fortnight.
Nearby communities. Also in this guide.
Local resources. Learn more about Leith.
How to use these pages
Local detail. Plain limits.
From K9PN. See the Disclaimer for details.
Good questions
Before you begin.
How can I stop barking in a tenement stairwell?
Teach a mat settle inside the flat, reward quiet behaviour and practise stairs at quiet times. Use a short lead and walk down calmly, one step at a time.
Will tram noise bother my dog?
Many dogs adjust with gradual exposure. Start at a distance, reward calm behaviour and build up slowly.
Is the Water of Leith Walkway good for dogs?
It is a popular route, but narrow and shared with cyclists. Keep a close lead or recall and step aside for others.