Civil Canines: Creating Harmony: a Guide for Dogs and Their People

Civil Canines is a practical and heartfelt guide for dog owners who want a calmer, more connected relationship with their dogs. It teaches everyday people how to understand their dog’s needs, create structure, and build trust through clear communication and simple, repeatable routines.Drawing from years of hands-on experience as a trainer, evaluator, public speaker, and lifelong dog advocate, Nick Memphis offers a realistic, compassionate approach to raising a well-mannered companion. Through personal stories, examples from training sessions, and lessons learned with his own dog, Nacho, Nick helps readers navigate the real-life challenges that come with sharing a home and a life with a dog.Inside this book, readers will learn:• How to understand your dog’s communicationBody language, stress signals, thresholds, confidence levels, and the subtle ways dogs ask for support.• How to build predictable structure at homeUsing routines, boundaries, enrichment, and consistency to create a calm and secure environment.• How to prevent common behavioral issuesSetting expectations early, managing transitions, and guiding dogs into healthy habits.• How to deepen the relationship with your dogThrough bonding rituals, play, teamwork, confidence-building, and meaningful connection.• Real-world examples and step-by-step guidanceIncluding how to handle excitement, barking, pulling on the leash, reactivity, nervous dogs, interactions with kids, and navigating public spaces.Civil Canines is written for the everyday dog owner who wants results without confusion or overwhelm. Nick’s warm, honest voice makes the information easy to follow, no matter your experience level. Each chapter empowers readers to slow down, meet their dogs where they are, and take small steps that create big changes over time.Whether you’re raising a puppy, living with an energetic adult dog, or dreaming of a calmer household, this book provides the tools to help you become the steady, thoughtful, civil handler your dog needs—and the kind of owner you can feel proud to be.