Hi, I’m Leigh!
If you’ve ever felt the weight of realizing that you are in over your head raising your dog, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too.
Over time, through years of practice, multiple trainers and veterinarians, and a lot of trial and error, things have gotten better. Our day-to-day life is now something I can actually enjoy with her, mainly because I learned how to work with who she is in a way that is realistic for both of us.
This experience is what shapes
how I work with clients today.
How to Dog offers in-home dog
training throughout the greater
Saint John area in southwestern
New Brunswick. You can view our
full service area here.
I focus on helping people living with anxious, reactive, or
overwhelmed dogs find a way forward that feels safe, doable, and grounded in real life. My goal is to help you and your dog understand each other better while building a relationship that feels sustainable, connected, and easier to live with. I’ll help you make sense of what’s happening and focus on practical steps that create real-life progress.
Because every dog is different, I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all answers. Every client receives a customized training and management plan. I value safety, honesty, and progress that respects both you and your dog as individuals. I’m especially drawn to working with people who are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck in their training journey.
Progress doesn’t have to mean perfection. Sometimes it looks like quieter walks, fewer stressful moments, more confidence, or finally being able to enjoy life with your dog again. At the core of it, How to Dog exists because I want to be the kind of support I needed back then: steady, realistic, and on your side when things are hard.
I started How to Dog because I know what it feels like to be overwhelmed by your own dog.
My dog, Orion, is a Bully-Mastiff mix who has struggled with fear and reactivity toward people and dogs. During her adolescence, there were moments where I honestly didn’t know if we were going to make it. I questioned
whether life with her would ever feel manageable.
Leigh Giberson
(She/They)
Safety matters deeply at How to Dog. We are fully insured, certified in pet first aid, and carry naloxone as part of our emergency preparedness practices.
If you’re ready to take the next step, I offer a free 15-minute Fit Call. This is a simple, no-pressure conversation where we can talk about what’s going on with your dog and whether my support feels like the right fit for both of you.