Welcome Kit for Working With
Your Happy Dog Coach
Beyond Sit, Stay & Heel
More Understanding.
Less Frustration.
Better Lives Together.
Helping families understand their dogs’ needs,
so behaviour & training can improve naturally.
Hello! I’m Lori-Lee (sometimes Lee but never Lori) and I am so excited to be a part of your journey.
The first thing you need to know about me is that I do things a little differently than the typical old school dog trainer.
I don’t really “fix” behaviors… I look to understand them, figure out the cause, and help to meet all of your dogs’ needs. I believe that focusing on bridging the gap between what your dog instinctively needs, and what we expect from them in our human world, can change everything.
My goal is to empower you with evidence-backed, welfare focused methods that foster understanding, not just obedience. We will work together to help your dog become a happy, cooperative, and well-adjusted part of your family.
After learning more about dogs from my own trainer, I moved here and didn’t find someone who could meet my (pretty high) expectations….
So I became the trainer that I would trust my own dogs with.
You see, after adopting my own rescue dog, Kitchi, in 2020, I discovered that traditional training methods were not only ineffective but harmful to her confidence and damaging to our relationship. Seeing the “wild west” of unregulated training, I dedicated myself to doing better.
With specialized certifications (that you won’t find anywhere else in the area) and continuous education, I prioritize not only the emotional & physical well-being of every dog, but their total welfare.
My Core Credentials:
- Professional Pet Dog Trainer (PPDT): Good Dog Academy.
- Family Dog Mediator (FDM): Certified by Kim Brophey’s LEGS® Applied Ethology Course.
- FearFree® Certified Professional Trainer (FFCP-T): Specializing in reducing fear, anxiety, and stress.
- Other Specialties: Aggressive Dog Master Course (Michael Shikashio), Certified Bite Prevention Educator (Doggone Safe), and Canine First Aid (DogSafe®).
Evidence-Based, Relationship-Focused
I believe that training should be:
- Choice Based: I never use punishment-based methods. Dogs learn best when they feel safe, heard, and encouraged. Giving them choice is incredibly important to securing those long lasting skills you want to see.
- Science-Backed: Every technique is rooted in canine behavioral science and ethical ethology. You can learn more in the Studies and Research section of my resources.
- Rooted in Relationship: Trust and effective communication are the foundation for a happy life with your happy dog, so we focus strongly on building that bond.
Customized for YOU:
No two dogs are the same, and no two guardians have the same goals.
I tailor every plan to your dog’s unique personality, breed tendencies, and your daily lifestyle.
What to Expect while Working With Me
Because I focus on relationships and understanding, our sessions will include a lot of discussion between the guardian and myself. While we will certainly be working directly with your dog, a significant portion of our time is spent “translating” what your dog is trying to tell you.
Here is what a typical session looks like:
- Observation First: We are always watching your dog, observing how they move, how they react to the environment, and how they communicate with others.
- Lots of Real Talk: I’m not here to give you “quick fixes” or sugarcoat things. We’re going to be honest about the challenges, the genetics at play, and what is realistically achievable for your specific lifestyle and your dog’s unique needs.
- The “Why” Behind the “What”: Instead of just correcting a behavior, we will pause to discuss the L.E.G.S. factors influencing it. Is this a genetic drive? An environmental trigger? Or a physical need?
- Hands-On Coaching: I will coach you through specific techniques and handling skills. My goal isn’t for your dog to listen to me. It’s for them to build a deep bond and connection with you.
- Real-Time Adjustments: Because we prioritize emotional safety, we may pivot. If your dog is over-threshold or stressed, we stop, assess, and advocate for their well-being before moving forward.
- Open Dialogue: I encourage you to ask “Why?” frequently. The more you understand the science and emotion behind my suggestions, the more successful you will be when I’m not there.
THE PARTNERSHIP
Scheduling & Policies
To ensure we maintain momentum and respect everyone’s time:
- Scheduling: Packages must be completed within three months of purchase to ensure continuity and consistency.
- Cancellations: Life happens and nobody understands that more than a homeschooling mom and military spouse. I’m as flexible as possible with reschedules as there may be times I, too, will need to reschedule. Let’s just both be respectful of the other and give as much notice as possible.
- Payments: Due at the time of booking to confirm your spot.
- EMT: contact@yourhappydogcoach.ca
- Cash/Cheque: Accepted at the first session.
- Credit Card: Credit Card payments may be made via Square
- This payment method has an service fee (Ex: an additional $4 per hour)
- To receive a Square invoice for a package of sessions, please contact me directly.
I believe every dog deserves to feel safe, regardless of their family’s budget.
If you are currently struggling with the cost of living but your dog truly needs help, please reach out.
I have a limited number of Community-Funded slots available and we can work together to find a rate that fits your reality.
Hours Of Operation:
- Office Hours 9-11am Monday-Friday
- One-on-One Training: 3-5pm or 6-8pm Daily
- Pup Check Pop Ins: 12-2pm Daily
- Leash And Learn or Trust and Train: 3-5pm Daily
The Service Options
Click each one below to learn a bit more about them
Private Training Sessions
Private training is one-on-one coaching, in your home, built entirely around your dog’s unique needs, personality, and the goals you have for your life together. Using the L.E.G.S. framework (Learning, Environment, Genetics, and Self), I look at the whole dog, not just the behaviour in front of me, but what’s driving it, what’s feeding it, and what your dog needs to feel safe, understood, and successful.
Sessions generally run an average of 60 minutes, beginning with a check-in, moving into hands-on work, and ending with homework given to work on between sessions.
Sessions take place at your home within a 50km radius of Darlings Lake ($0.50/km travel fee beyond 50km). Virtual support is also available.
COACHING PACKAGES include:
Discovery Call…………………………………………….Free
Review & Resources (incl. SEARCH and “First Visit”)…………$125
3-Session Package…………………………………….$375
5-Session Package…………………………………….$575
10-Session Package…………………………………..$1,000
Single Add-On Sessions………………………….. $125
Trust and Train
Personalized Support, Tailored to Your Dog’s Pace
A Trust & Train session provides professional, one-on-one attention for your dog, focusing on developing essential life skills in the environments where they actually happen. By moving beyond the living room and into the real world, these sessions bridge the gap between “knowing” a cue and “doing” it when it matters most.
What We Might Work On
- Building a reliable, relaxed loose leash walk
- Developing focus and engagement in busy or distracting areas
- Cultivating calm and neutrality toward people, dogs, and wildlife
- Boosting confidence for shy or fearful dogs in new locations
- Decompression and enrichment-based walks for high-energy or overstimulated dogs
- Refining impulse control and “checking in” naturally
Sessions typically last an hour and are held in your home to start, moving to other locations only if/when your dog is ready.
My Commitment to Ethics
I use exclusively force-free, science-based methods. There is no use of prong collars, choke chains, or electronic shock collars. The goal is always to build a relationship based on trust, not fear.
Stay Connected to the Progress
After every session, you will receive a video recording of the entire session, suggestions so you can see exactly how your dog is progressing, how to manage set backs, and why your dog is doing the things they do as I break down what is happening during the video recording.
Rate: $140 per visit
Family Awareness - Kids and Dogs
Because I speak dog and kid.
As a former Early Childhood Educator, I understand child development as well as I understand canine behaviour, and that combination is exactly what makes this service different.
Most dog bite incidents involving children happen in the home, with the family dog, and with a guardian nearby.
Not because anyone was malicious, but because nobody taught the family how to read what the dog was communicating.
This session is the bridge.
What Is Covered:
• How to read your dog’s body language: what they’re really saying
• What your body language means to your dog, and what helps them feel calm
• Boundaries and safety at home and out in the world
• Games kids and dogs can play that build real trust and connection
• Practical rules that are easy for children to remember
Sessions are relaxed, interactive, and age-appropriate: genuinely fun for kids while delivering real safety education. Ideal for families welcoming a new dog, families with young children and an existing dog, or anyone who wants to be more intentional about the relationship between the kids and pup in their home.
Rate: Two hour long sessions ………………$160
Fear Free® Vet Prep
Because vet visits don’t have to be something your dog dreads.
As the only Fear Free Certified Professional Trainer in the Yarmouth area (for now), I offer specialized support for dogs who find veterinary visits stressful, overwhelming, or downright terrifying. A dog who shuts down at the vet isn’t being stubborn, they’re scared.
Fear Free Vet Prep slowly and positively builds new associations with the handling, environments, and sensations your dog will encounter at the clinic.
What We Can Work Toward:
• Stepping on a scale without hesitation
• Being placed on an exam table calmly
• Tolerating ear, paw, mouth, and body handling
• Accepting injections and topical treatments
• Building a positive emotional response to the clinic overall
Available in-person only. This service starts with learning cooperative care in your home and then “Fun Visits” will be coordinated with your vet clinic (Clare Animal Hospital, Evangeline Animal Hospital, and Parade Street Animal Hospital are our local ones).
Rate: Because this is a service completely dependent on each dog and meeting them where they’re at, this service is difficult to price. I
Pop-In Pup Check
The highlight of your dog’s day
A Pop-In Pup Check is a drop-in visit to your home while you’re away: a mid-day potty break, some companionship, and a whole lot of love.
Whether you work long hours, have appointments, or just want peace of mind that someone who truly understands dogs has been by, this one’s for you.
Every Visit Includes
• A potty break in the yard or a short leashed walk
• Fresh water and a food top-up if needed
• Playtime or enrichment at your dog’s pace
• A post-visit photo or message update
Visits are approximately 20–30 minutes. I bring my full training background to every check-in, no intimidation, no rough handling, and an experienced eye on your dog’s wellbeing every single visit.
Plus, I can record our visit and send you a copy so you can see firsthand how your pup was cared for during the Pop-In!
Rate: $25 per visit
Leash & Learn
Real-life skills, built on real-life walks
A Leash & Learn session combines your dog’s exercise with purposeful, structured skills practice, turning an ordinary walk into an opportunity to build confidence, impulse control, and connection with the world around them.
What we Might Work On
• Loose leash walking and not pulling
• Focus and attention around distractions
• Calm, confident responses to the environment
• Impulse control around wildlife, people, and other dogs
• Building confidence in new places
• Dog Focused calming walks and decompression for anxious or high-energy dogs
Sessions are approximately 30-45 minutes and may take place on your property, in your neighbourhood, or at local trails and parks, always based on what’s right for your dog.
Exclusively force-free methods.
No prong collars, no choke chains, no shock collars … ever.
You’ll receive a video recording and follow-up suggestions after every session.
Rate: $65 per visit
Pet Dog Ambassador Program
Real-World Skills for the Modern Dog
The Pet Dog Ambassador (PDA) program is an international 6-level licensing scheme that focuses on the skills a dog needs to be a well-adjusted member of the community. These sessions move beyond basic “obedience” to test your dog’s ability to remain focused, responsive, and relaxed in everyday real-life scenarios.
This is a group class and will include a maximum of 4 participants and will only take place once we have enough participants on the waitlist.
What We Might Work On
- Mastered loose leash walking in various environments
- Reliability with “Stay” and “Wait” prompts
- Controlled entries and exits from vehicles or buildings
- Non-reactive behavior around other dogs and distractions
- Grooming and handling readiness
- Preparing for Level 1 through Level 6 assessments
Sessions are approximately 30-45 minutes and take place in the environments required for your specific level of training, from quiet yards to busy parks.
The rate of this class will vary depending on location rental costs for the group classes.
To join the waitlist and be notified when a class is being arranged, contact me.
The S.E.A.R.C.H. Experience
Sensory Exploration And Reflection of Canine Holism
The SEARCH Experience is unlike anything else your dog has encountered. I will come into your home before your dog has had a chance to meet me, and set up a carefully curated sensory environment for them to explore. They will be given complete freedom to explore at their own pace. No right way. No expectations. No pressure. No interference at all. Just your dog, their senses, and the opportunity to simply be a dog.
While they explore, we watch. The way your dog moves through the space, what they’re drawn to, what they avoid, how they self-regulate… all of it tells us something meaningful about who they are and what they need, as well as what their preferences are to help them succeed.
The SEARCH Experience is included with your first Review & Resources session and can also be booked as a standalone visit.
Rate: (This is my favorite part!) After our discovery call, I will send you a copy of your Intake Form. After that, if you would like a breakdown of what I think will work for your dog, and how we should proceed, you will pay for the Review & Resources ($125). Then, if you want to continue to work with me, you’ll fill out the SEARCH Form and we will set up your “First Visit”. The cost of the First Visit is already paid for by the Review & Resources fee!
The Stand Alone Rate for a SEARCH Experience will vary. Just Contact Me to discuss!
Greeting Manners
From Reactivity to Relaxation
Our Greeting & Meeting Manners sessions are designed for dogs who find seeing people or other dogs a bit “too much.” Whether the response is fueled by fear, frustration, or over-excitement, we work at your dog’s pace to replace big, reactive displays with calm, choice-based responses.
What We Can Work On
- Identifying and respecting your dog’s threshold “bubble”
- Teaching “Look at That” (LAT) and disengagement skills
- Building neutrality toward triggers in the environment
- Relaxation protocols for high-arousal situations
- Management strategies for surprise encounters
- Understanding and responding to your dog’s subtle body language
Sessions are approximately 30-45 minutes and take place in a controlled environment, your property, a quiet street, or a local park, where your dog can feel safe while they learn.
Exclusively force-free methods. No prong collars, no choke chains, no shock collars … ever. You’ll receive a video recording and follow-up after every session.
This program has a special rate of $300 and includes:
Discovery Call a 30 minute video a 60 minute private training session a SEARCH Session
AND four 30 minute group practice walks
THE PREP CHECKLIST
Session Needs
☑️ The “Good Stuff” (Treats):
Because we’ve learned what types of treats are of high value to your dog through their SEARCH Experience, we’ll know what they’ll work the hardest for, and we’ll stock up on those!
☑️ The Gear:
A well-fitted harness or flat collar, and a standard 6ft leash. (Please, no retractable leashes, prong, choke, or shock collars).
If there is anything I feel we need to help your pup succeed, I will bring it with me!
☑️ The Space:
A quiet area with minimal distractions will be needed to start. As your dog gets better at the skills they’re learning, we can add in distractions, distance, and duration.
☑️ Your Commitment:
Your commitment to implementing the customized plan I create for your dog’s unique needs is the catalyst for success. While I provide the guidance, long-term success is built on the time, effort, and practice you dedicate between sessions.
☑️ Your Participation:
You are welcome to email me, send me videos on Facebook Messenger, or text me at any time with questions, concerns, or needs of clarification.
I always aim to get back to you within 24 hours of receiving your notes and questions.
I’m here to support you every step of the way! My goal is to have you and your dog succeed in your goals, and that is highly dependent on you keeping me apprised of your progress, setbacks, frustration, wins, and more.
For Your Continuing Education: Free Resources & Support
Because I want to help as many dogs as possible, I have created a section of free resources on the website:
- Articles: Written by me, based on real scenarios I encountered during my educational journey, with clientce, or in our community.
- Skills Learning Library: I have trudged through the online information and carefully curated a library of video tutorials and information that I, myself, would use. (In fact, as a client, you will likely be referenced to many of these skills pages for your homework!)
- Recommended Resources: From Books to YouTube Channels, Podcasts to Scientific Studies, I have collected my most respected resources to help take the guesswork out for you!
Community Partners:
I happily collaborate with local ethical dog professionals such as the ones listed here (as well as others across Canada and around the world) to ensure we have a full support network and are making the best plans for your dogs’ needs.
- Brooklyn Adventure Dogs – Sara Barter Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer, Karen Prior Academy Certified Training Partner, Victoria Stillwell Academy Certified Dog Trainer
- Paws in Harmony Dog Training – Kylie Dixon – Diploma in Canine Behavioral Science and Technology + Accredited Dog Trainer through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
- Companion Theory Dog Training – Diploma in Dog Obedience Training through ICS Canada, and Professional Canine Sensory Room Practitioner
CONTACT & DATA TRACKING
Because we do things a little differently here at Your Happy Dog Coach, we also do our training logs a little differently. We will focus most on their needs, while also heavily paying attention to all of the ways they communicate.
Section 1: Focusing on Rest, Relaxation, and Recovery
- Deep Sleep Hours (approx)
- Signs of Relaxation (Sighing, belly up, floppy ears)
- Recovery Time (How long to settle after a walk or training session?)
Section 2: The Advocacy Log (Consent & Agency)
Here is where we track “conversations” (which are more important than commands or cues).
- Did I offer a choice today? (e.g., Left or right at the fork in the trail?)
- Did I listen to a “No”? (e.g., Dog moved away from the brush; I didn’t force the groom.)
- The “Look at That” Moment: (Did we see a trigger and successfully disengage without a “correction”?)
Section 3: The “Trigger” Context
This is where we learn to spot the difference between your dog being “stubborn” or “bad” and understanding their behavior.
- Behavior Noticed: (e.g., Alert barking at the window)
- The Likely “Why”: (e.g., UPS truck? Overtired? High wind today?)
- My Response: (e.g., Acknowledged the bark, moved him to a quiet room, gave a lick mat.)
Training isn’t about ‘replacing’ a dog’s instincts because their instincts are there for a reason. It’s about understanding the need behind the instincts that cause the behavior, and then meeting those needs so that your dog is fulfilled and the unwanted behaviours are redirected to more acceptable ones.
Always Remember: I’m Here To Support You!
It is my goal to help you feel successful in your training with your dog so please send me texts or email with updates between sessions! Videos sent to me via Facebook Messenger will always be welcome, too, and can sometimes be the most helpful in helping me understand a behaviour that your dog doesn’t show me when I’m there!
Not only do I love knowing how you’re doing, I’m happy to provide guidance virtually to keep the momentum going.
What Next?
- The first step is to contact me.
- The second step would be to read this Welcome Kit. (Already done:
) - The third step will be a Discovery Call so you can tell me about your dog, what your goals are, and I will take some history information.
- Then I will send you a copy of the intake form, filled out with the information gathered during our Discovery Call.
- You will review the intake form and let me know of any corrections that need to be made, or any additional information you think I need.
So far, all of that is free!
- Next, you will let me know you want to work with me by filling out the SEARCH Experience form and arrange payment for the First Visit and Game Plan (suggested course of action with resources). ($125)
- When I receive the form, I will send you an email with some resources and to schedule our First Visit.
- After the First Visit, I will upload the video from the session to an unlisted YouTube Playlist (only those with the link will have access, and every session afterwards will be added to this playlist).
- Then you will let me know if you’d like to continue to work together and we will create a schedule. This can be weekly, a few times a week, or every few weeks. It will be based on your goals for your dog, where your dog is “at” in terms of those goals, and how much you are able to put the work in between sessions).
- As mentioned, every session will be recorded and added to your unlisted playlist.
You will also receive an email that will include:- a written recap of each session
- your homework for the week
- any resources I think will be helpful on your training journey
FYI: Once you’re a part of the YHDC Family, you will always have a space here.
I will always be happy to chat, get updates, offer support and resources, and more.