Lorna Kennedy
07703583288​
Dog Training in Edinburgh with a Science-Based Trainer
Puppy Training, Puppy classes, 1-to-1 Sessions & Behaviour Support
I specialise in motivational techniques to help your dog want to work with you always even around distractions and not just when they feel like it. From puppy classes to recall and loose lead walking, I help you build focus, reliability, and a stronger connection with your dog.
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If you’re looking for a dog trainer in Edinburgh to help with recall, loose lead walking, or a dog that won’t listen outside, I can help!
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I offer both training packages and individually priced sessions. While packages allow me to create the ideal plan for you and your dog, I understand that in today’s economic climate it may be difficult to commit to a full package or upfront cost—so you can also pay for sessions individually.
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It’s also important that you find a trainer that fits your style, especially as dog training is an unregulated industry.
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Why work with me?
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• I am part of the IMDT, an accredited body and group of chartererd professional dog trainers. I’ve been trained, assessed, and my ongoing professional development is monitored.
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• I compete nationally and internationally with my dogs and win! I train off-breed dogs (dogs not specifically bred for the sport) and compete successfully against purpose-bred dogs—so I know my methods work, and I know how to motivate any dog. I’ll help you do the same with yours.
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• There are no long waiting times—sessions are typically available within one to two weeks. Whether you’re training a puppy or working through a behaviour issue, getting help quickly is important. I’ll always do my best to juggle my schedule to fit you in.
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• I provide clear, well-structured training plans with practical, written and video support, so you can confidently continue the training between sessions.
Sit Happens is an Edinburgh based dog training service established in 2020 and run by Lorna Kennedy, a fully accredited IMDT, ethical dog trainer. She holds a PhD in Chemistry and has over 15 years’ experience in the scientific industry, specialising in process development and organisational optimisation. This analytical, evidence-based and strong problem-solving background allows Lorna to approach dog training and behaviour in a structured, strategic way—breaking down challenges and creating clear, practical training plans for her clients.
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With over seven years’ professional dog training experience, Lorna has worked with more than 200 dogs and their owners, offering dog training in Edinburgh, including puppy training, puppy classes, 1-to-1 sessions, recall training, loose lead walking, and dog behaviour support. Her approach focuses on making training both effective and enjoyable, helping dogs learn in a way that fits into real life.
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Lorna has decades of experience working with animals, including training sport horses and dogs. She has always been dog mad—starting out by walking and training neighbours’ dogs as a child, and later competing in junior handling, where she won the Irish National Junior Handling Shetland Sheepdog Championship in 1995.
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She is also a member of Stirling Agility Club​ and competes with her fantastic Vizsla, Drico. They have won the Large Novice ABC Final at Crufts 2024! Lorna and Drico were selected for Team Ireland at the World Agility Open in the Netherlands in may 2025. Competing in a fast-paced and demanding sport means Lorna is constantly refining her training skills, focusing on motivation, clarity, timing, and efficiency—skills that directly benefit her clients and their dogs.
Lorna is committed to continuous professional development and is currently studying a 3-year course in Canine Behavioural Science with the School of Canine Science. She has also attended courses and seminars in areas including:
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Mantrailing (tracking missing people by scent)
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Scent Detection
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Coping Strategies & Aggression seminars with one of the world leaders in dog ethology, Alexa Capra
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IMDT courses on learning laws and practical training
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SOCS 30 Days of Canine Science
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Interactive play workshop with Craig Ogilvie
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Certified Canine First Aider
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Training with Neil Ellis, Helen Postle, SO Agility, Nicola Wildman, Dave Munnings
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ABOUT ME
In January 2019 she began working with Gosia Bates and teaching in Dogs and the City, Edinburgh (now Harburn Dog Acedamy) puppy classes. She had an official assessment by the IMDT in October 19 and passed with distinction. This is an Open College Network Level III qualification.
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Lorna is Police checked and insured with Pet Business Insurance.
Lorna is fully toilet trained, and is tick and worm free.
Our clear jumping round at Crufts
Our WINNING agility round at Crufts
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