Hi! I’m Lori, Certified Dog Trainer
I have always enjoyed having a variety of pets; I have lived with dogs my whole life. In 2001, I adopted my first German shepherd dog (Taylor), and shortly thereafter, my second German shepherd dog (Rumor). Taylor started out shy but quickly grew into the ‘perfect dog’. Rumor proved to be a bit more challenging - she became reactive to other dogs after a bad experience at a young age. While I was working with Rumor, my passion for training dogs began.
For my own dogs, I attended many seminars by world-renowned trainers (including Patricia McConnell, Suzanne Clothier, Karen Pryor, and Ken Rameriz to name just a few) and many force free local trainers. I have read many training and behavior books, attended many classes, and tried to absorb as much information as possible. I became a lifelong learner for the benefit of my own dogs. Below I describe my journey to becoming a certified professional dog trainer.
My Journey
The thread that has carried on through all my learning is that a positive, relationship-based training program achieves the best results.
In 2015, I discovered Absolute Dogs and the concept-based training methodology I have completed several Absolute Dogs courses and became a member of the Training Academy. Games based training and the relationship I developed with my dogs through this training style have truly been a game changer for me.
When the opportunity to become a Pro Dog Trainer through Absolute Dogs became available in 2018, I knew this was the path for me. I recognized the value of this training method and wanted to be able to share this with others. I have completed the PDT certification as well as in-depth training on behavior. My training journey continues with multiple organizations (including Help My Dog and Behavet) so that I can offer the best information and techniques to my clients and their dogs.
Each year, I attend several additional classes from a variety of sources to advance my knowledge and improve my skills for the benefit of my clients and their dogs. I have attended courses to improve my knowledge of dog behavior and training methodology, as well as on specific topics including healing trauma in dogs, resource guarding, separation anxiety, dog-to-dog reactivity, puppy development, and many others. Maintaining current, science-based knowledge is extremely important in providing my clients with the best value.
