Meet your trainers
Calm Canine Co was created to bridge a gap we both see every day in dog training – not just for dogs, but for the people who love them.
While private training sessions can build strong foundations, many owners struggle to practise those skills in the real world. On top of that, many people quietly believe their dog is “the worst behaved” and that they’re the only ones finding things hard.
That isolation is something we wanted to change.
The beginning.
In December 2024, Lucy ran a short trial series of structured group walks designed to support dogs working on calm behaviour around other dogs. The response was overwhelming – not only because the dogs benefited, but because owners finally felt supported while practising.
In January 2025, Lucy met Nick, another highly respected trainer in the area – to explore whether this idea could grow into something bigger.
Through conversations about the behaviour and training challenges we both see daily, it became clear there was a significant gap in the market. Owners were doing the work at home, but had nowhere safe to practise around other dogs. They also had very little opportunity to connect with other owners going through the same challenges.
With nothing like this available locally, we decided to create it.
Since then, Calm Canine Co has run multiple structured events every month, supporting over 120 dogs and their owners through calm, guided real-world training.
You don’t need to train alone.
One of the biggest things we noticed early on is how isolating dog ownership can feel. Many owners arrive believing:
→ Their dog is the only one struggling
→ Everyone else’s dog is “perfect”
→ They’re failing or doing something wrong
Calm Canine Co events bring owners together in a supportive, non-judgemental environment where they quickly realise they’re not alone.
By seeing other dogs working through similar challenges, owners gain:
→ Perspective and reassurance
→ Confidence in their own progress
→ Space to talk openly about their experiences
The social aspect of our events matters. Owners get to meet like-minded people who understand what it’s like to live with a dog that needs a bit more support. Friendships form, conversations happen, and the pressure lifts.
Training becomes something shared, not something you’re struggling through on your own.
At Calm Canine Co, everything we do is guided by the same principles:
→ Force-free, reward-based training
→ Ethical, evidence-led methods
→ Calm, structured environments
→ Education around dog body language and communication
→ Support for both dogs and their humans
We don’t believe in flooding dogs, forcing interactions, or comparing progress. We believe in steady exposure, clear structure, and helping owners truly understand what their dog is communicating.
Lucy Staddon
Co-Founder & Dog Trainer
Lucy is a co-founder of Calm Canine Co and a certified dog trainer with a strong focus on building solid foundations and supporting dogs through real-life challenges.
Lucy works with puppies, adolescent dogs, and adult dogs, helping owners develop calm behaviour, reliable skills, and confidence both at home and out in the world. Her training style centres around clarity, consistency, and understanding the emotional state behind behaviour – supporting dogs to make good choices rather than simply managing problems.
Lucy is passionate about creating structured environments where dogs can practise skills safely and owners feel supported, informed, and confident.
Nick Shelley
Co-Founder, Dog Trainer & Behaviourist
Nick is a co-founder of Calm Canine Co, a certified dog trainer, and a qualified behaviourist.
Nick brings a deep understanding of canine behaviour and body language to Calm Canine Co, with particular experience supporting dogs who need space, structure, and thoughtful guidance around other dogs. His calm, steady handling style helps dogs feel secure while learning how to navigate challenging environments at their own pace.
Nick’s behaviour-led approach ensures Calm Canine Co events remain supportive, ethical, and carefully structured to meet each dog where they are.
Qualifications & professional standards
Both Lucy and Nick are certified through the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT) and are committed to ongoing professional development.
Our work is grounded in:
→ Force-free, reward-based training
→ Evidence-led behaviour support
→ Clear communication and owner education
→ Respect for each dog as an individual
Why Calm Canine Co works
Calm Canine Co isn’t just about walks or classes.
It’s about:
→ Giving dogs a safe space to practise around other dogs
→ Helping owners feel supported, understood, and less alone
→ Creating calm, structured experiences that build real confidence, for both ends of the lead