About

Calm Canine Companion is based on a simple idea: dogs are easier to train, and more enjoyable to live with, when their natural behaviour is understood and guided rather than suppressed.

This approach has developed over more than 45 years of working with dogs and, importantly, helping owners to understand how to train their own dogs.

The Approach

Many common behaviour problems do not arise because a dog is unwilling to learn, but because the training approach does not take sufficient account of the dog’s natural instincts and abilities.

At Calm Canine Companion, the emphasis is on:

understanding how dogs learn
using positive reinforcement methods
working with natural behaviour rather than against it
building calmness through structured activity
developing cooperation between dog and owner

This creates a training process that is both effective and enjoyable for both dog and owner.

A Focus on Retriever Breeds

While the principles of training described here apply to dogs of all breeds, there is a particular focus on retriever breeds.

Dogs such as the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever were developed to work in close partnership with people, using their natural abilities to search, retrieve and respond to guidance.

When these instincts are not given a clear and constructive outlet, owners may experience behaviours such as over-excitement, constant chasing, or difficulty maintaining control in stimulating environments.

By introducing structured retrieving exercises and instinct-based training, it is often possible to channel these natural drives into calm, cooperative behaviour.

About the Author

The Calm Canine Companion approach is informed by a background in both dog training and education.

Over many years, the focus has been not simply on training dogs, but on helping owners develop the knowledge, confidence and practical skills needed to train their own dogs effectively.

This educational approach places emphasis on:

clear explanation
practical application
gradual progression
building understanding rather than relying on correction

All training is based on positive reinforcement and a thoughtful, step-by-step process.

The Calm Canine Companion Series

The Calm Canine Companion series sets out a structured pathway for training, divided into four stages:

Preparation
Learning
Skills
Behaviour

Each stage builds on the last, helping owners develop both their understanding and their practical ability.

The aim is to provide a clear, consistent framework that can be applied across a wide range of situations and dog types.

The Calm Retriever Club

Alongside the books, The Calm Retriever Club has been developed to provide ongoing guidance for owners of retriever breeds.

The club focuses on helping owners develop calm, responsive companion dogs through instinct-based training, without any requirement to participate in field sports.

It offers practical exercises, structured guidance and continued support for those who wish to develop their training further.

A Final Thought

Training a dog should not feel like a constant struggle.

When natural behaviour is understood and used constructively, training becomes clearer, progress becomes more consistent, and the relationship between dog and owner becomes more rewarding.