Behind the Leash
Basia Beska
Certified Positive Dog Trainer
Welcome!
I’m Basia Beska, a passionate positive reinforcement dog trainer based in Edinburgh. My lifelong love for animals began with family pets, including dachshunds, and extended to exotic animals like African Pygmy Hedgehogs. Growing up with dogs, I developed a deep understanding of their needs and behaviour.
Studying psychology at Heriot-Watt University allowed me to develop a unique, non-judgmental approach to dog training, enriching my work with both dogs and their owners. This foundation led me to become a certified dog trainer through the Dog Training College, where I focus on humane training methods for real, lasting behavioural change.
Adopting Cuddy, a rescue dog from Cyprus, was a pivotal moment in my journey. Her transformation—from a fearful stray to a confident, loving companion—reinforced my commitment to reward-based training and the power of positive reinforcement.
Today, my mission is to share this gentle, science-based approach with dog owners, helping them build a strong, trusting bond with their dogs while addressing behavioural challenges and fostering a calm, confident dog.
Professional Development
📜 DTC Certified Dog Trainer
Certified in positive reinforcement and force-free dog training, with proven skills gained through the Dog Training College. Specialising in ethical and humane training methods to address a variety of dog behaviour issues.
🎓 BSc in Psychology
An in-depth understanding of human and animal behaviour, which enhances my approach to dog training and strengthens the bond between dogs and their owners.
Pet First Aid Certified
Ensuring your dog's safety and well-being in every training session by providing immediate care in case of emergencies.
Loose Lead Walking Specialist
Helping dogs and their handlers achieve relaxed, controlled walks, improving dog behaviour and walking manners through positive training techniques.
Breeds
Specialised knowledge in understanding different dog breeds and their unique needs, ensuring a personalised approach to training and behaviour management.
"Dogs do speak, but only to those who know how to listen."
~ Orhan Pamuk
What to expect
Full Support - Zero Judgment
Choosing the right dog trainer can feel overwhelming, but my approach is built on empathy, kindness, and understanding—no judgment, only support. Every dog and owner deserves a positive, uplifting training environmentto learn and grow together. With my background in psychology and positive reinforcement dog training, I guide you through behavioural challenges with patience and encouragement. Together, we’ll build a strong bond based on trustand consistent training, creating lasting results for a confident, happy dog.
Building Behaviours with Kindness
I use a fully force-free, science-based training approach, relying on positive reinforcement to build desirable behaviours. Through capturing (rewarding natural behaviours), marking (using a clicker or word to highlight the right moment), luring (guiding with treats), and shaping (rewarding small steps toward a goal), I help dogs learn in a way that’s both natural and enjoyable. Grounded in scientific principles, this method not only fosters confidence but also builds a trusting bond between you and your dog, making training a rewarding experience for both.
No Shortcuts - Just Smart Solutions
Effective dog training isn’t about quick fixes; it’s about finding creative, positive ways to address behavioural issues. By thinking outside the box and focusing on reward-based training methods, we can shape desirable dog behavioursnaturally and effectively. With thoughtful, positive training strategies, even complex behaviour problems can be addressed without using aversive tools, creating long-lasting, joyful changes for both dog and handler.
