The Calm Puppy Companion Guide
Building Relaxation Skills from the Start
 
Welcoming a puppy into your home is a joyful and rewarding experience, but it also brings many new challenges. The Calm Puppy Companion Guide from Paws Academy has been created to give new and experienced puppy owners a clear, supportive resource that focuses on one of the most important skills a young dog can learn: how to settle.
 
This guide is designed for anyone raising a puppy, whether it is your first time or you already share your life with dogs. It is also ideal for families with children, as it provides gentle and practical techniques that everyone can use to encourage calm behaviour. The information inside is written in a friendly and easy-to-follow style so that owners feel confident and supported throughout the learning process.
 
The benefits of using this guide are simple. It helps you teach your puppy to relax and feel comfortable in a variety of situations. By following the step-by-step approach, you will understand how to reward calm behaviour, create peaceful routines, and prevent restlessness before it begins. This leads to a more balanced puppy who can focus, rest, and enjoy life calmly alongside their family.
 
Inside the guide you will find:
A clear explanation of what “settle” means and why it matters for your puppy’s wellbeing
Practical advice for setting up your home environment to support relaxation
Step-by-step training to teach your puppy to settle on cue and remain calm in real-life situations
Techniques to recognise and reward calm moments as they happen
Guidance for building calmness from day one through daily routines and enrichment
Solutions for common challenges such as overexcitement, restlessness, or difficulty relaxing
A helpful Calmness Toolkit to make everyday training easier
A Progress Tracker to help you reflect on your puppy’s development
 
This guide is more than a training manual. It is a calm and reassuring companion for the early months of your puppy’s life. It blends professional expertise with kind, practical advice that fits easily into everyday routines. By following the guidance, you will build the foundations for a relaxed and confident puppy who can adapt to the world around them with ease.
 
The Calm Puppy Companion Guide is an essential resource for all new puppy owners and a valuable reference for those with experience. It provides the knowledge and structure you need to raise a puppy who is calm, content, and ready to learn.
 
Written by
This guide has been written by Renée, founder of Paws Academy, a qualified behaviourist with over 30 years of experience in dog training and behaviour. Renée has appeared on television, been featured in news articles worldwide, and is the author of the best-selling Pawsitive range of books. She now lives on the west coast of Ireland with her partner, their dogs, and horses, and continues to share her knowledge through courses, consultations, and educational resources that support owners and their dogs.