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About Calluna Canines

Hi, I’m Heather.

Calluna Canines is run by me, Heather Gilbert – a qualified dog behaviourist specialising in French Bulldogs and small bull breeds, and the humans who love them.

My Background & Experience

I believe every dog deserves high-quality, compassionate training, and every owner should have access to credible behaviour support. As advocates of humane, modern methods, my work focuses on building trust, understanding and calm – never force.

Every dog is unique, which is why everything I offer is personalised to your dog’s individual needs – whether you’re dealing with reactivity, separation stress or other behavioural struggles.

Heather Gilbert outdoors in a green hat with Anton, her grey brindle French Bulldog

A Specialist in French Bulldogs & Small Bull Breeds

Frenchies and bull breeds feel the world more intensely than most. That doesn’t make them stubborn, dramatic or naughty – it makes them sensitive. Everything at Calluna Canines is designed around how these breeds think and feel, from the games we play to the pace we work at.

Fawn French Bulldog enjoying a reward-based training game at home

Positive Reinforcement & Games-Based Training

No force, no pressure. I use games-based learning – a powerful, science-backed way to reshape behaviour in a way that feels natural and rewarding for your dog. Training becomes a daily bonding experience instead of a battle, building focus, calmness and confidence in just a few minutes a day.

Supporting Rescue Dogs

I volunteer with Phoenix French Bulldog Rescue, supporting rescue dogs and their foster families through fear, guarding and big feelings as they prepare for their forever homes.

Read About My Rescue Work

The ROOTS Framework

Everything I teach is built on five foundations – because lasting behaviour change grows from strong roots.

R

Regulation

Helping your dog feel safe, calm and under threshold before any learning can happen.

O

Observation

Learning to read what your dog is really telling you, so you can respond to the cause rather than the behaviour.

O

Outlets

Meeting your dog’s breed and individual needs through play, enrichment and appropriate outlets for big feelings.

T

Training

Games-based training that builds confidence, emotional regulation and practical life skills.

S

Support

Ongoing support for the human end of the lead, because behaviour change is a journey, not a quick fix.

Professional Qualifications

  • Qualified Canine Science Behaviourist (School of Canine Science)
  • Certified Pro Dog Trainer (Absolute Dogs)
  • Canine Reactivity Specialist (Dog Training College)
  • Aggression in Dogs Master Course Graduate (Aggressive Dog)
  • Member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
  • Member of the Professional Hypnotherapy Practitioners Association (PHPA)

While hypnotherapy isn’t offered as a standalone service, some of my packages include hypnotherapy recordings for the human end of the lead.

Ready to Work Together?

Calluna Club is the best place to start – simple, games-based steps for your dog’s unique needs.