Calm, Ethical Behaviour Support for Dogs Who Are Struggling Emotionally
Helping anxious, reactive and overwhelmed dogs feel safer, more confident, and easier to live
with — through understanding, structure, and real-life training.
ABOUT SIOBHAN
Dogs have been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember.
My approach is grounded in empathy, science, and deep respect for the dog–human relationship.
I believe behaviour is communication and that lasting change comes from understanding the emotional and environmental needs of each individual dog and their family.
PROBLEM & EMPATHY
Living with a dog who struggles emotionally can be draining.
Many owners arrive feeling stuck, they’ve tried classes, tips, online advice, or quick fixes, but nothing has truly changed. Not because they haven’t tried hard enough, but because their dog’s behaviour hasn’t been fully understood.
Anxiety, reactivity, shutdown behaviours and overwhelm are rarely training problems. They are communication, signs that a dog is struggling to cope with their world.
FLAGSHIP OFFER TEASER
The Calm & Connected Dog Programme
A structured, supportive behaviour programme for dogs who struggle with anxiety, reactivity, or emotional overload.
This is not a one-off session or generic training plan.
It’s a personalised, welfare-led approach designed to support real progress in real life.
AUTHORITY & DIFFERENTIATION
Behaviour is communication, not defiance.
Real change doesn’t come from control, pressure, or forcing compliance. It comes from reducing stress, building emotional safety, and supporting dogs in ways that make sense to
them.
I work with dogs who need calm, thoughtful support and with owners who want clarity, reassurance, and ethical guidance they can trust.
Discover more
Book a Discovery Call
Why Choose Us
We listen to what your dog is trying to say.
Emotion first. Training second.
Real change starts when stress drops and emotional safety increases. That’s why we focus on the ‘why’ behind behaviour, not just the symptoms.
Ethical and welfare-led. Always.
No force, no aversives, no shortcuts that compromise welfare. We work in line with modern science and ethical standards.
Realistic progress for real life.
We don’t just teach skills, we support daily living. From walks to visitors to home routines, we help make life calmer and more manageable.
Support for both ends of the lead.
Owners deserve clarity, reassurance, and guidance. We make sure you feel supported, not overwhelmed.
Designed for sensitive and complex dogs.
Anxious, reactive, shut-down, overloaded or “difficult” dogs often need more than standard obedience. This is where we specialise.
No judgement. No pressure.
Many owners come to us after trying multiple approaches. Our goal is understanding, not blame.
Aria is a rescue Mastín and when we started working with Siobhan at Calma Dogs, she was extremely frightened of the outside world. Walks were almost impossible and she was nervous of people, dogs and anything new she hadn’t experienced before. This was not due to bad behaviour, but because she had very little socialisation and lacked confidence.
Siobhan helped me understand Aria’s fears instead of trying to push her through them. Everything was done calmly, at Aria’s pace, and with kindness and respect for how she was feeling. I learned how to support her rather than force her into situations she couldn’t cope with.
Now Aria is much more confident and relaxed. She can walk off lead and enjoys her walks instead of being overwhelmed by them. Her confidence has grown so much and our relationship has improved too.
I would highly recommend Calma Dogs to anyone with a nervous or rescue dog who needs patient, understanding and ethical training.
Carmen
Siobhan took care of our dog Oz from a puppy for nine years and loved him like her own.
She socialised and trained him brilliantly, helping him and us to have a great and happy house both when he was our first baby and when the three kids also arrived. We feel very lucky to have had Siobhan.
Sarah
I was recommended to Siobhan’s dog training class when my Labrador, Eddie, was a couple of months old. Eddie was a very lively puppy and was a real challenge for a dog trainer. Her classes were just what he needed she certainly ‘tamed the tiger’. Eddie loved his weekly class and it was a joy for us to see his progression. Some time after Eddie unfortunately developed elbow displacia and needed a major operation to correct it. I turned to Siobhan for advice which was so helpful and reassuring for us at a difficult time. Eddie is still going strong albeit a bit stiff with his joints. I would thoroughly recommend Siobhan, a very good trainer and a very nice lady.
Kevin
Teddy, my labradoodle–cockapoo mix, got on very well with Siobhan from the very beginning. She immediately put him at ease and it was clear that she had a deep understanding of dogs, particularly those that feel nervous or unsure in certain situations. Her calm presence and intuitive way of working helped Teddy relax and build confidence naturally.
Siobhan has a vast wealth of experience with nervous dogs and this really showed in how she guided both Teddy and me. She took us into different social scenarios at a pace that felt supportive rather than overwhelming and explained clearly what was happening for Teddy in each situation. She showed me practical ways to redirect and distract behaviour before it escalated which made a noticeable difference very quickly.
What I valued most was how empowering her approach was. Siobhan did not just work with Teddy, she helped me understand him better so I felt confident continuing the work on my own. Her knowledge, patience and genuine care for dogs makes her an excellent trainer and I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for thoughtful, effective and compassionate support with their dog.
Sara
Siobhan has the biggest heart when it comes to animals and a wealth of knowledge and experience to match. I have known Siobhan for 15 years and she has always given excellent animal advice from health, behaviour and nurturing support. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Siobhan for any of your animals needs – you won’t be sorry.
Debbie