Cool, Calm Canines

Training for Reactive, Overstimulated or Nervous Dogs

Does your dog bark, lunge, or panic when they see other dogs?

Maybe they get over stimulated and can’t listen?

Or perhaps they’ve been asked to leave traditional classes because they just couldn’t cope?

You’re not alone — and your dog isn’t “naughty.” They just need a calmer, more thoughtful approach.

Cool, Calm Canines is a structured, gentle programme designed to help your dog feel safer and more in control — without forcing interactions or overwhelming them.

Held at Damside House, Johnshaven, Montrose. DD10 0HY

What this programme teaches

If your goal is for your dog to be best friends with every dog and person they meet, this isn’t the programme for you.

This programme is about helping them feel safe and calm around others without needing to interact.

Not every dog enjoys socialising, and for many, being forced into interactions only makes things worse. For reactive or nervous dogs, the safest and happiest option is to give them space — and teach them the skills to stay calm in the presence of others without feeling threatened or overexcited.

That’s what Cool, Calm Canines is all about:
Helping your dog remain calm and neutral around other dogs and people, at a distance where they feel safe.

Our goal isn’t playdates or “fixing” your dog to love everyone — it’s building confidence, focus, and emotional stability so you can enjoy stress-free walks and everyday life.

That means:
✔ No more lunging, barking, or spinning on the lead
✔ No more owners feeling embarrassed or on edge
✔ Just a dog who can calmly walk past others without drama — and an owner who feels confident and in control.

The Perfect Training Environment

Our sessions take place in a private countryside venue, set down a long driveway — no busy roads, no footpaths, no unexpected people or dogs appearing.

The space is carefully set up so your dog will only encounter other dogs when they are ready. There are no surprises here — everything is controlled and calm, so you and your dog can relax and focus on learning.

How Cool, Calm Canines Works

Phase 1: Learn at Home

Start in the safest place for your dog — home.
You’ll get access to a series of short, practical videos teaching fun, reward-based games that build focus, calmness, and confidence. These aren’t obedience drills — they’re real-life skills in disguise.

Phase 2: 1-to-1 Sessions

Next, we bring those games into my calm countryside venue — but still with no other dogs around.
Here, we fine-tune your training and build your dog’s confidence at a comfortable pace.
You can have as many or as few 1-to-1 sessions as you need to feel ready for the next stage. These sessions are held at Damside House, Johnshaven, Montrose. DD10 0HY

Phase 3: Assessment

Before joining a group session, your dog must show they can confidently play the core games in an environment without other dogs.
This is essential for their safety and emotional wellbeing — and yours.

These sessions are held at Damside House, Johnshaven, Montrose. DD10 0HY

Phase 4: Small, Calm Group Sessions

When your dog is ready, you’ll join a group of no more than 3–4 dogs. Dogs remain at safe distances, and there is no expectation to interact.
The goal is calm coexistence — not forced friendships. These sessions are held at Damside House, Johnshaven, Montrose. DD10 0HY

There’s no time limit for the programme– we go entirely at your dog’s pace.

Is this for your dog?

Perfect for dogs who:
✔ Bark or lunge around other dogs or people
✔ Freeze or panic on walks
✔ Are overexcited and can’t settle near other dogs
✔ Have been asked to leave group classes
✔ Need a calm environment to learn at their own pace

Programme Costs

Online Training Videos – £29.99
Learn the core games from home with clear, easy-to-follow videos.
1-to-1 Coaching & Assessment – £35 per hour
Private sessions at my calm countryside venue near Johnshaven, Montrose to help you and your dog feel confident before moving on. The assessment is also charged at this rate.
Group Sessions – £20 per hour
Small, carefully managed groups (max 3–4 dogs) for calm practice around other dogs.

You only pay for each stage as you need it — there’s no big upfront cost or set package. Book your sessions at your convenience to suit your schedule and your dog’s progress.

It’s totally up to you how much 1-to-1 coaching you need before booking an assessment. Some owners practise at home using the videos and only book an assessment when ready. Others prefer extra support through several private sessions — the choice is yours. It is essential you pass the assessment before you join a group class.

There are no time limits. Every dog works through the phases at their own pace. The more time and effort you put in at home, the quicker you’ll move forward — but there’s absolutely no pressure.

Laura specialises in customising activities for dogs with restricted exercise and supporting owners through this challenge. Her mission is to ensure these dogs remain calm and content despite limited daily exercise, fostering enduring bonds between them and their owners through compassionate training methods.