Today we’d like to introduce you to Elisa Gibson.
Hi Elisa, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Germany. My love for dogs started early, thanks to my grandparents, who volunteered at a humane society. As a little girl, I loved watching dogs play, learning their body language, and even teaching them fun tricks.
After moving to the U.S. in my late twenties, I turned my passion into a career, starting a dog training business, Happy Hounds Dog Training.
In 2016, after training my first service dog, I knew service dogs was my calling. I pursued further education in medical alert and food allergen detection dogs and saw firsthand how life-changing they could be.
But I also saw the need for more accessible service dog training. That’s why, in 2022, I founded Walk Forward, named for my favorite moment—when a person and their service dog take their first steps together, stepping into a new chapter of independence.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting a nonprofit is never easy, especially with the high costs of service dog training. It takes up to 18 months to train a service dog, and fundraising is an ongoing challenge.
But seeing the transformation in both dogs and their handlers makes every struggle worth it. Right now, we have dogs in training for veterans, PTSD, seizure response, social anxiety, self-harming behaviors, autism and migraine alert—knowing they’ll change lives keeps me going.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I run Happy Hounds Dog Training, where I help pet dogs and their owners build strong, trusting relationships through positive, balanced, and effective training. I focus on real-world skills that make life with a dog easier and more enjoyable, whether it’s basic manners, leash walking, or behavior challenges.
What sets me apart is my tailored approach—I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all method. Every dog and owner are unique, and I love finding the right training solutions for each team.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Many people don’t know that as a teenager I grew up on a U.S. military base in Germany, and my dad being a veteran after 20 years of military service. That experience gave me a deep appreciation for veterans and military families, which is why I’m so passionate about training service dogs for those who have served.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.walkforward.org
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/walk.forward
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/Walk.ForwardInc
