About

Not Your Average Dog Trainer:
Meet Your Happy Dog Coach, Lori-Lee

“I believe in connection over correction,
co-operation over control,
and that truly understanding your best four-legged friend changes everything.”

I’m Lori-Lee (she/her), and I’m not your average dog trainer. My journey into the world of canine behavior didn’t start in a classroom, as with most trainers, it started at home. For me, learning how to do better came with navigating the challenges of a nervous rescue dog and searching for a better way to meet her needs and help her feel safe.

Today, as a Professional Dog Trainer (PDT), Certified Family Dog Mediator (FDM), Bite Prevention Educator, and Fear-Free Certified Professional (FFCP-T), I help families see past the frustration of unwanted behaviors from their dogs to find the why behind those behaviours… and then we work on how to see those “why’s” as the true welfare needs of the dog so we can meet those needs (and the unwanted behaviours can go away!)

What Makes Me Different: The Educator’s Edge

Before learning how to speak “dog,” I was fluent in speaking “kid.”
My background as an Early Childhood Educator gives me a unique perspective on your dog’s development.
How? Well just like children, dogs with unwanted behaviours aren’t “bad”… they are often misunderstood, feel unheard or overwhelmed, or simply don’t yet have the skills they need to succeed in our human world.
(Also, did you know that a dogs’ level of comprehension is about the same as a 3 year old human? Fun fact!)

The Truth? I don’t just train dogs; I coach their humans. My goal is to bridge the gap between human expectations and canine reality, giving each person I work with the specific tools to be their dog’s most reliable human, best friend, and advocate. 

As an FDM (Family Dog Mediator), it’s important to me that I help families see past the frustration of unwanted behaviors to see the true welfare needs of their dog. Figuring out the L.E.G.S. (Learning, Environment, Genetics, and Self) of each individual dog so we can meet those needs is the most rewarding part of what I do.

My Philosophy: Science & Understanding, Not Force

In an unregulated industry, I hold myself to incredibly high standards. I am committed to punishment-free, science-backed methods that build trust, relationship, and connection instead of fear.

With the holistic approach, I look at the “whole dog”, taking into account their genetics, environment, learning history, personality, and physical health & movements before moving forward with a training plan.

I strongly believe in building the relationship first. I don’t feel that great training is about blind obedience; but instead, it’s about teamwork, connection, and mutual respect.

I am passionate about authenticity, ethics, and integrity. I will always be honest with you about your dog’s needs, even if it means helping you unlearning outdated advice, or sending you to someone else who I feel is better equipped and experienced with what you and your dog need from a professional. I leave my ego at the door and focus solely on what’s best for you and your dog, even if that’s not me.

Life at Home (The Support Behind your Support)

I live just outside Yarmouth, NS, where I’m a military spouse of 15+ years and a homeschooling mom of three. Our home is shared with two cats (Oscar and Holly), two bunnies (San Diego and Cocoa Beans), and my two Northern Rescue pups, Kitchi and Casey. They are my greatest teachers and the reason I am so passionate about helping rescues and their families thrive.