The Gibbons House: Dog Training and Photography

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Welcome to The Gibbons House Blog. Join me on my journey🐾 A dog trainer in training, sharing tips and info as I go. https://www.hopp.bio/thegibbonshouse
(1)

Not qualified (yet!) but passionate about positive, kind training.

11/03/2026

Something amazing happened today.
Anayah attended her first group training session.
From the outside, it didn't look like that big of an achievement, but it really is.
When I first rescued her, she would never have managed a group of people and dogs. If you'd asked me 6 months ago if I thought that she'd ever be able to manage, I'd have said no way.
But the training, time and effort I have put in has paid off in a way I couldn't even have imagined.
She only managed 15 minutes before becoming over-aroused and I had to put her back in the car. But during those 15 minutes she engaged with me and did the tasks set by the trainer.
Small but mighty wins 💪💪
I'm sharing this because all too often we get caught up in the bigger picture and we miss the little wins. Those little wins are the entire reason we train. It's a marathon, not a sprint.

09/03/2026

“The expert at anything was once a beginner.” — Helen Hayes
A little Monday reminder that every journey starts with small, imperfect steps. No one wakes up confident, skilled, or experienced. We learn by trying, adjusting, and showing up again.
Whether you’re working on a new training skill, building your dog’s confidence, or stepping into something that feels a bit bigger than you, you’re allowed to begin. Your dog doesn’t need perfection, they need patience, presence, and a human who’s willing to grow alongside them.
Here’s to beginners, progress, and the courage to keep going.
You’ve got this.

08/03/2026

The Women Behind the Wagging Tails!

Today we’re celebrating the women who make the dog world go round.
The women who train with patience, advocate with passion, walk in the rain, soothe anxious pups, lift heavy bags of kibble, learn every quirk, and love without limits.
Here’s to the women raising confident dogs, supporting rescues, building communities, and showing what strength looks like in muddy boots and dog hair covered jumpers.
Happy International Women’s Day to every woman who has ever changed a dog’s life. You’re shaping the world one wag at a time.
Know a woman who makes the dog world brighter? Tag her so we can celebrate her, too.

07/03/2026

2026 Calmer Dog Challenge - week 10!
Looking for an easy enrichment game that builds confidence, encourages problem‑solving, and taps into your dog’s natural instincts? Try this simple scent game.
Start by letting your dog watch you “hide” a treat in plain sight. Cue a sit, place the treat, then release them with your chosen cue. I use “Find it!” every time so the meaning stays clear and consistent.
Once they understand the game, begin hiding the treat in slightly trickier spots while they still watch. This builds success and keeps frustration low.
When they’re ready, pop them in another room while you hide the treat. Join in as they sniff, acting like you’re searching together. Your engagement boosts their confidence and keeps the game fun rather than stressful.
From there, you can add more treats, vary the locations, and slowly increase the difficulty. Keep the game light, supportive, and full of celebration when they succeed.
Sniffing is deeply enriching for dogs, and games like this are a brilliant way to meet their needs with very little setup.

06/03/2026

Next week, I am embarking on the next step in my journey. I am attending the IMDT's 4-day practical dog training course! I am going in eager and ready to absorb absolutely everything I can like a sponge, it's going to be awesome! I have learned so much already and shadowed some incredible trainers, and I am grateful to everyone who has let me learn from them or work with them. 🥰
Don't worry, the 2026 calmer dog challenge will still be taking place!

28/02/2026

You've made it to week 9 of the 2026 Calmer Dog Challenge!
This week, we are looking at teaching a 'Settle'.
Teaching Settle is tricky because we aren't training a behaviour, we are training an emotional response. We want our dogs to know that when we stand on the lead or ask for a 'Settle' we expect them to show us calm behaviour.
It is totally normal for your dog to protest at first, the important thing is don't pay them any attention! No eye contact, no speaking, nothing. Eventually, they will get bored and naturally show a calmer behaviour. Thats when you drop the treat, no speaking still, as a way of saying "Yes! Thats what I want."
🐶🐶

26/02/2026

Have you been joining in our 2026 Calmer Dog Challenge?
Here's a quick recap of what we covered in the past 4 weeks.
If you have been taking part, we would love to hear about it! Let us know your progress, your questions, your struggles. We are here to help.

23/02/2026

My dog digs holes. The horror! She splashes in puddles, tears up cardboard boxes and pulls on her harness (she walks in heel when on her collar). Why do I let her do those things? Because they bring her joy. They fulfil her in ways other things cannot. She is half husky and was born to pull. She enjoys sticking her nose in molehills and being destructive.
Two things would happen if I did not give her the chance to do these.
- She would find her own outlet for those instincts, and probably in a way I would not want.
- She would miss out on important, fun parts of her life and she would not be as happy as she is.
Digging, shredding and other fun behaviours are often instinctual. Finding a safe outlet for them can improve your dog’s wellbeing and strengthen the bond between you.

I challenge you to list 5 things that your dog really enjoys, and they can't be food-related! Rolling in fox poo, playing with their ball, training etc. And then ask yourself how you could incorporate those things more in their life (maybe not the fox poo onem but you get the idea!).

22/02/2026

4 years ago today my entire world changed because I rescued Anayah.
I had no idea just how much she would alter my life, and I certainly didn't expect to find a love of dog training to the point where it's now my career choice.
It was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Is she a chaotic little gremlin? Yes.
Is that the main reason I love her? Obviously 😂
Happy gotcha day, Anayah. 🐾❤️💖

21/02/2026

So many people try to “walk the energy out” of their dog, only to end up with a fitter dog who still can’t settle. Calm doesn’t come from miles; it comes from meeting your dog’s mental needs as well as their physical ones.
Most dogs were bred for a purpose, which means their brains are wired for problem‑solving, scenting, searching, herding, retrieving or thinking. Without enrichment, they can be physically tired but still mentally buzzing.
The good news is that enrichment doesn’t need to be complicated or time‑consuming. Five to ten minutes a day can make a huge difference. Do it while the kettle boils, during TV time, or by turning mealtimes into simple games. It’s also a great option for dogs with dietary restrictions.
Small moments add up to a calmer dog.
Join in this week's and see how tiny daily habits can shift your dog’s whole nervous system.

20/02/2026

It's national love your pet day!
Share photos of your much loved pets. I want to see feathers, fur, scales, the lot!

I've included Caspian and Cosmo, because even though they are no longer with us I still love them very much ♥️
From left to right:
Anayah
Artemis 🐇
Caspian and Eclipse 🐇
Cosmo 🐇

16/02/2026

Dog training videos on social media show what is possible with hard work, yet I often feel like I am failing my own dog when I see them. Our walks are messy, training is hard, and I drop things or forget steps. When I compare myself to trainers with perfectly behaved dogs walking in heel or demonstrating flawless recall, I fall short by miles.
But then I look back at where I started and see how far I have come. I see the growth, the lessons learned, and most importantly, a happy, loved dog by my side. I am reminded that perfection is not the goal, progress is. As long as we are moving in the right direction, we are on track. It is not a race against others, it is not a competition for the best trained dog. It is about the connection you build and the joy that comes from the small wins.
So next time you see a training reel or a beautifully trained dog in the streed, admire the work that they have put in, but don't compare yourself to them. You are on your own path, and the destination may be different.

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