Thedogcalmer.com suffolk

18/09/2026

https://www.thedogcalmer.com/post/40-years-of-working-with-dogs-here-s-what-i-think-owners-keep-getting-wrong

08/09/2026

🐾 **The day I almost felt as though I had a magic wand…**

Basil is a beautifully trained four-year-old Labrador, but recently he had begun looking deeply unhappy whenever his family prepared dinner.

He would withdraw to his crate, tuck his tail, lick his lips and disengage from everyone. Was it the cooker hood, the clattering pans or the smells of spicy food?

I was invited to dinner so I could observe him for myself — one of the nicer perks of my work!

What followed was a very simple experiment involving a ball, a few minutes of play and a little instinct. One week later, Basil’s family say they have their dog back — “and then some”.

Sometimes changing a dog’s behaviour begins with helping them to feel differently.

Read the full story here: https://www.thedogcalmer.com/post/some-days-i-almost-feel-as-though-i-have-a-magic-wand

Last week, I was invited to dinner by a longstanding client, Sam. This was partly a social occasion, but mostly an opportunity to observe a rather puzzling change in the behaviour of her Labrador, Basil.Sam and I have known each other for many years. Basil is the third Labrador she has trained with....

03/09/2026

So thrilled to share another 5 star review on Google!
"I contacted Avril because my dog was struggling with anxiety around people, she was becoming reactive, and I knew we needed extra help. Avril's patience, calm manner and soft-spoken approach made all the difference; my dog was relaxed around her from the second session, which says a lot. Every step was practical and easy to follow, I understand the "why" so much better, and what reinforced unwanted behaviours. She is noticeably calmer and more confident now, I feel more confident too. Can't recommend Avril highly enough."
The little dog in question is a Toy poodle, it has been a complete joy for me to be a part of her process and watch her blossom. See less

19/08/2026

We often say a dog is “just doing it for attention.”

But what if we’ve got that slightly backwards?

What if your dog has actually learned that you need them to behave this way — because every time they bark, jump up, pester you or run off with something they shouldn’t have, you suddenly become very interested?

I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately, particularly with dogs who are still doing these things years after we might expect them to have grown out of them.

Maybe they haven’t failed to grow up.

Maybe they think it’s their job.

My latest blog looks at attention-seeking behaviour from the dog’s side of the conversation. 🐾

Have a read — and then watch what happens the next time your dog “seeks attention”.

https://manage.wix.com/dashboard/052e521f-52d9-457e-ae8a-b03494e90fbe/blog/a65ac7ca-e3ac-45a2-85ff-085feb7828e3/edit

29/07/2026

https://www.thedogcalmer.com/post/because-of-the-dogs

This morning, at the gym, I caught my own reflection and asked myself something I hadn't thought about in years: when was the first time I actually liked the person looking back at me? Not because of how I looked. Because I respected who I'd become.My mind went straight back to 1988.I was thirty-fou...

28/07/2026

Another 5 star Google review! I so appreciate clients taking the time to give me a review and hopefully encourage others to follow! 😍

"I felt overwhelmed and isolated with my puppy's behaviour.
After lots of advice and unwelcome comments I reached the point of rehoming my puppy.
A last desperate resort I saw Avril's poster, sent a message.
Prompt reply to meet with my puppy at her house.
The rest is history, I still have my puppy.
Training is ongoing, but I feel more confident and knowing I have support with Avril has been the lifeline that has put us back on track."
Juliet/wilson

26/07/2026

I am always thrilled when a client is willing to give me a recommendation, when it’s from a Vet I am impressed!

23/07/2026

When you're living with a dog whose behaviour is causing stress, worry or even fear, you naturally want to find the best help available. You may ask your vet for a recommendation, search online or choose someone because they have lots of qualifications after their name.Qualifications and experience....

16/07/2026

Over 10 days, I worked with Rex, a 6-month-old puppy, to help him b...