Lori’s Journey to “Dog Trainer & Behavior Specialist”

Home
Lori’s Journey to “Dog Trainer & Behavior Specialist”

Lori’s Journey to “Dog Trainer & Behavior Specialist” Join me on my journey to becoming a certified Dog Trainer and Behavior Specialist. I’d like to share this experience with anyone interested.

I hope to use my training to start my own business helping dogs and their owners.

28/04/2022

OK…It’s been a year since I posted, I better get posting again!

My first year being open (anniversary 11-30-21) was WAY more successful than I could have ever imagined!

I have met and worked with some wonderful puppies/dogs and their owners. Making what I believe will be some life-long friendships along the way.

I have watched some AMAZING transformations as puppies/dogs went from: shy to confident / shut down to outgoing / power pullers to polite walkers / disruptive to obedient / distracted to focused

I never imagined when I hung my first graduation pictures on the wall (to help with the echo) that I’d fill a wall in one year…

I never thought I’d be starting group classes for my graduates to give them opportunities to continue educating themselves and their dogs.

I’m so thankful for my husband who has picked up ALL the slack at home so I can focus on my business. He has been patient and understanding and without him I couldn’t do what I do.

I’m so thankful for all the successful trainers who are willing to invest in me.

I’m so thankful I’m learning how to set limits and manage my time better.

I’m so thankful for understanding that it’s ok that I can’t help everyone. I have partnered with some wonderful trainers that specialize in the areas that I don’t want to focus on.

MORAL OF THIS STORY… Trust your God-given passions to take you on a journey of a lifetime!
Lessons That Last Dog Training, LLC

03/04/2021

Well, where has the time gone?! I can’t believe my last post was on January 10. So, much has happened. I should catch everyone up.

Since January I have been blessed with a hugely successful business (considering I just opened on November 30, 2020). One that has taken off so much faster than I ever imagined. So many wonderful clients!

All in all the start of 2021 has been a roller coaster ride for me...full of ups and downs (fortunately way more ups), a few loop-da-loops, and tons of surprises!! The ride has been memorable and I know it’s just the beginning... stay tuned for more to come. 😀

10/01/2021

Last year at this time I celebrated my birthday in Texas with my sister, LouAnn. It was 2 days before school was about to start and I was nervous.... LouAnn was sick (probably had Covid - before it was a thing). She did her best to help me have a good birthday in spite of how she was feeling. All this after driving all the way from Wisconsin to Texas with me, while not feeling well. She is a blessing to me.

So, last year I turned 52 in Texas...
52 was a year full of blessings, big changes, numerous challenges, amazing growth, unmatched learning, new friends, lots of excitement, some anxiety, unforeseen delays, various trials, unexpected accomplishments, big decisions, great joy, many tears, and ultimately even more blessings!!!

I guess all in all I’d say I had a VERY FULL year! I’m so thankful for family and friends who have walked with me through this journey. Their encouragement, guidance, patience, support, listening ears, wisdom, discernment, comfort, and love helped to get me through the year.

I could not have done it without each of you!!!
THANK YOU!!!

I can’t wait to see what 53 has for me.... BRING IT ON!!! I’m ready. If 52 taught me anything it was that I can do more than I ever thought I was capable of. I just need to trust that God’s plans for my life are far greater than my own could ever be.

30/12/2020

So, my journey took a turn yesterday. I had to put my dog to sleep. VERY sad day. He was only 11 and had a lot of life left in him. Those of you who follow my other pages, I’m sorry to post yet again about Duggan...

I’m so thankful I get to work with other people’s puppies/dogs to help fill my void until I get another puppy. Probably wait until closer to Spring, unless the perfect one “pups” up in the meantime. 😉

Yesterday was a day of grieving. And I do mean grieving!!! I could not stop crying. I’m so very thankful for all the time we got with him. The memories are quite numerous. The only regret I have is never having signed him up for agility. He would have been really good at it. He was SO fast!!! Our daughter used to call him a “zipper”ke (for those of you who don’t know he was a Schipperke). He was so fast and could maneuver so well, he was actually able to run rabbits down and he was quite good at it. I know, sorry for the bunny lovers out there. Just know that around us, rabbits are way too plentiful and they do more damage than good. Moving on...

Duggan got to have many adventures in his life. He traveled the US with us and hiked & swam in some of the best rivers & lakes around. He was good with other dogs and smart as a whip. He LOVED his peanut butter Kongs! He went tubing and canoeing. He loved his walks and being outside, even in the winter. Then he’d come in and sprawl out in front of the fireplace. Granted, he had his problem areas too...but we’re just going to forget about those. 😉

Here’s to you Duggan!! No more pain and full vision!
I’d like to believe that he will be one of the blessings waiting for me in heaven. Along with Bella and at least some of my other 12 dogs... Oh my, I’ll be able to open my own kennel up there 😉

18/12/2020

Good news!! New training programs coming in 2021.

During the first quarter of 2021, I’ll be rolling out some half-day programs, a full day program, new puppy socialization experiences, and group lessons.

I can’t get over how blessed I’ve been since opening! I’ve been blessed with amazing pup and clients!! I appreciate the grace as I’ve been working through the hiccups of opening.

My first pups graduate next week... well since Duggan took up a day, they actually finish after Christmas. So happy with their progress! Then it’s on the mom’s and dad’s. 😉

Our instructors always used to say that the dogs don’t lie. Meaning you can tell if the owners are consistently working with the dogs. I’m proud to say that the pups are telling me that so far the moms and dads have been doing a pretty darn good job!

Can’t emphasize the importance of CONSISTENCY!

Anyway, before I start a lesson...

06/12/2020

Well, my facility opened a week ago. Hard to believe but it’s true!! It was a great week. I have been truly blessed!!!

One of my primary puppy programs (Elementary) is booked into February and I have a waitlist. I had no idea things would take off so quickly...

I’m actually considering modifying my younger puppy program so I can add another Elementary program. I hate pushing people out to February, but as only one person I can only handle so many pups per week. QUALITY OVER QUANTITY!

I have had so many learning experiences already. My days are long... some are complicated... some are emotional... all are very rewarding!!

23/10/2020

More progress being made on the building! Was super excited today to see the dry wall up. I actually have a Demise Wall, Kennel Room, and Storage Closet.

Still a lot of work to do, but it sure is fun seeing the progress.

17/10/2020

More progress being made on the facility! Little things are done, like the old flooring is removed and the floors have all been smoothed and prepped for the new flooring. They have also been prepping the electrical.

I eagerly check on the building every day, but I was so surprised when I stopped in last night and they had the Kennel Room framed in, the side wall framed in and the window hole to the front cut out. SUPER EXCITING to see the progress!!!

08/10/2020

More good new. We FINALLY got the OK from the state to start the buildout process!!!! It’s been 8 weeks since I signed the lease...

More waiting, as now we need to get scheduled with all the subcontractors to get them in to do the necessary work. Things such as flooring, plumbing, electrical, painting, etc.

There’s A LOT of work to be done yet, but at least we’re finally moving in the right direction. I will be posting pictures as the work is done, so you can all share in the buildout process. [Note: the ramp and ramp wall are gone and so is the desk unit in the future kennel room. They have also cut the preliminary whole in the wall where the window between the reception area and the training area.]

SUPER EXCITED to be moving in the right direction.

01/10/2020

Building update: STILL waiting on the State of Wisconsin to approve the requested buildout of my facility. Until that happens, nothing much can be done. They have started some demo, like removing the “ramp wall & ramp” but thanks to Covid, we have to wait two weeks for that to resume. 😞

After MUCH thought and research, I have picked out my flooring types. Rolled rubber in the training area, rubberized vinyl in the reception area, and epoxy in the kennel, mop and storage rooms. Now I’m waiting for pricing quote to confirm we are still within the budgeted allotment.

I have also learned that signage is expensive. 😉 I’m planning on having a large sign over the front doors, window signage, and parking signs.

Thought I’d include some “before” pictures...will continue to post pics as the construction/changes take place.

SUPER EXCITING!!! I’ll take every baby step. Trusting that God’s plan and timing are far greater than my own.

24/08/2020

GOOD NEWS!!! It’s official...
Lessons That Last Dog Training LLC has a home base!! My lease agreement has been signed. That means I’ll be able to train rain or shine (or in Wisconsin rain, sleet, snow, blizzard, and the occasional shine). I also have an outdoor fenced run and a lot of additional open grass space. I’m SUPER excited to have this huge step completed!!!

That doesn’t mean my roller coaster ride is over yet, just that I went through an awesome loop-da-loop. NOW, the buildout process begins. A whole new waiting game. I just found out today from the contractor that we are waiting to have the construction plans developed. Then they need to be sent to and approved by the state and that could take up to 6 weeks. Yes, six weeks! All of that has to happen BEFORE they can start construction. UGH! SO yes, for those that are good with dates... that means, kiss the October 1 move in good-bye, since construction could be going on yet (in fact, it could just be starting). [Please be praying that things go smoothly with the state and the buildout, so I can move in October 1 but no matter what, that I continue to trust God’s plan and timing.]

Now all of this poses a whole new set of problems for me. It means I can’t plan my Open House since I can’t promote an Open House without having a set date. Most importantly, it means I can’t start scheduling clients for training in the building. For those of you PATIENTLY waiting (especially for 1/2 day Boot Camp training), I truly appreciate your patience!! I promise it will not be in vain.

I’ll keep you posted as things move along. Thank you everyone who has been praying for me, encouraging me, walking through this process with me in one way or another. I appreciate each of you so much!!!

06/07/2020

What a journey it is to start a new business. At school they told us that in order to start a successful new business, you need: Confidence, Willingness to Take Risks, Problem Solving, Creative Thinking, Perseverance, and Continued Education.

I can see why they said that now. WOW! The amount of thought and work that goes into starting a business is amazing! Thank you Will & Derek for not sugar coating it. I have a new found respect for all the people I know who have started or run their own business. I had no idea until I started living it myself.

In one of my last posts I gave a list of things I have been working on. Some have been checked off and others have been added. My biggest step is attaining a building to train from. This has been a process! I have submitted a revised Letter of Intent (LOI) and I’m praying that it will be accepted. I removed several of the things I asked for in my first LOI because I was shooting for the moon and I knew the odds were not in my favor for getting them. You can’t get what you don’t ask for, so I felt I at least had to try. This LOI is much simpler. The biggest thing I’m asking for is A LOT of additional outdoor fencing. (The space already has nearly 4,000 sq feet of fenced yard, so even if my request for additional fencing doesn’t go through, I still have some area to work with.) IF my LOI is accepted as is I would have almost 14,000 sq feet of outdoor fenced yards. I am envisioning a potty yard, a large run, and an agility field. Dream big!!!

I would also have about 1,300 sq feet of indoor training space, as well as a small kennel room, an office and display area, two bathrooms and a mop room and I’m asking them to add a storage room from some of the office/display area (we’ll see if they accept).

There are so many advantages to the location too! To start with, it’s one mile from my house, yes, literally right around the corner. I could walk Duggan to work. Next, it’s right across the parking lot from my vet’s office, Neenah Wellness Clinic. People would walk out of the vet and see LESSONS THAT LAST DOG TRAINING, LLC. Can you say great advertising?! My neighbor has been renting in the same complex for over two years now, so has been a good source of knowledge for how the landlord is, etc. Lastly, she has two dogs that she’d like me to work with during the day while she’s at work. She can walk them across the parking lot to me, since she takes her dogs to work with her.

I have had many blessings in this process and I am so thankful to God, my family (especially Robert), friends, classmates, new business partners, etc. So thank you everyone for your support and encouragement! For some of you, thank you for your patience, as this process is taking longer than I expected. I believe in the end it will be worth it to have done it right from the start. Thank you God for instilling this life-long passion in me and for the blessings I have had and continue to have as I pursue it!

04/06/2020

My journey isn’t over yet... it’s just morphing into Lessons That Last Dog Training, LLC

Yes, that’s right, my very own business. I knew it would take time to get started but I didn’t expect it to take this much time. The hours of research into everything (insurance, lawyers, competition, finding another balanced training to be comfortable referring clients to that need board & trains, time developing paperwork like contracts, waivers, and policies, lesson plans, setting prices (still my biggest struggle), finding a building to lease, talking to other renters and business owners, building a website, and let’s not forget CoVid...

I did however have my first consultation appointment today. Still have a ways to go before I’m officially open for business but it was nice to work with a dog other than Duggan for a change. Thank you Wendi for letting me work with Shelly today. Glad I could help.

I also want to thank those who are patiently waiting for me to “officially” be open for business. Shouldn’t be long now. I still have some paperwork I need to get back from the lawyer and a few other details...

Oh, and I’m turning in my letter of intent for a building lease this week. I should know if it’s accepted soon. If so, I could be in by August 15. More to come on this.

MEET SHELLY (Wendi & McKenna) - My Consultation Dog from this morning

14/05/2020

It’s been a LONG time since I’ve posted. I wasn’t sure if I should continue posting since my school journey is over...then I realized that’s only part of my journey.

As I was looking over pictures from school, I thought I’d share some of my memories. The first picture is from our Canine Good Citizen test preparation. We were getting all the dogs used to converging together into a tight circle. I have to say, I will never be able to get future dogs the exposure (26 dogs at one time) that the dogs got at school.

The second picture was during preparation for our Intermediate Obedience test. The dogs had to heel over food and toy distractions. It was amazing!

19/04/2020

Some have asked what all we covered at school. That is a complex question. We covered A LOT! We started out learning how dogs learn. This was amazingly insightful! I had no idea how much I didn’t know. As I like to say, “you don’t know what you don’t know until you know you don’t know it”.

We learned basic obedience, intermediate obedience, advanced obedience & competitive obedience. We learned scent discrimination, narcotics detection, tracking & trailing. We also learned how to train service dogs for various tasks. We learned remote collar training, home manners, and Canine Good Citizen. We also did fun things like learning clicker trick training and agility.

For each of these areas we learned we were responsible for teaching at least one of our rescue dogs. Often times, like with basic obedience, both of our rescue dogs had to pass. That’s the key, not only did we have to teach it but we were then tested as a team (handler & dog) and we had to pass with a 60 or better. Sounds easy, right?! Well, as a team, both participants have to score well... have you ever had a bad day? I know I have. Well guess what, dogs have bad days too and sometimes, they weren’t on their “A” game either. I only had one close call, where I was certain I had failed because Benson broke all three of his 30 foot stays (place, sit, down). Every part of me wanted to breakdown and walk out of the test but I persevered and was pleasantly surprised to find out we passed with a 68!! But I digress...

We also learned protection training, canine first aid, kennel management, and business techniques, including how to do consultations, group lessons, private lessons, and board & trains.

We learned about training equipment, behavior problems, aggression, and defensive handling.

We learned about breed characteristics, puppy stages, puppy imprinting, crate training, and temperament testing (puppy & adult).

It was stressful, it was exhausting, but it was also rewarding, and SO WORTH the time and effort, not to mention the financial investment. I learned so much that it was like getting years of experience in just 11 weeks. I learned about dogs, about people, and about myself in ways that I never would have learned without going. Part of me wishes I had done it 20 years ago. It would have been much easier physically in 30’s than in my 50’s... but I DID IT! I’m proud of myself, I’m so thankful God had this plan for me and I’m glad I was obedient to it.

I’m so thankful for Robert, who sacrificed with me by letting me go that far from home for that long. I’m thankful for his support, encouragement, commitment, love (I could keep going... ). God has truly blessed me with Robert, what a gift he is to me!

I look forward to using my newly attained knowledge and experience to help people and their beloved dogs.

11/04/2020

Been missing these three... I checked on their rescue sites yesterday and it looks like Benson got adopted, so that’s great news! I have already been in touch with Nola’s rescue and her foster home. Yesterday I also reached out to Cash’s rescue and they asked me for some updated pics and videos which I gladly sent to them. It sounds like Cash has been in rescue for over a year. Poor guy. He’s such a sweet heart! Wish I could have brought him back and found him a good home.

Anyway, just thought I’d share some pics of the three I invested so much blood, sweat, and tears in... I had Nola & Benson from my first week at school. I was given Cash at the end of week 7, as his handler left school at the end of week 4. (The school had a photo shoot week 7, for all the rescue/shelter dogs, to help them get adopted.)

Address

Website

facebook.com

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Lori’s Journey to “Dog Trainer & Behavior Specialist” posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Lori’s Journey to “Dog Trainer & Behavior Specialist”:

Videos

OK…It’s been a year since I posted, I better get posting again! My first year being open (anniversary 11-30-21) was WAY more successful than I could have ever imagined! I have met and worked with some wonderful puppies/dogs and their owners. Making what I believe will be some life-long friendships along the way. I have watched some AMAZING transformations as puppies/dogs went from: shy to confident / shut down to outgoing / power pullers to polite walkers / disruptive to obedient / distracted to focused I never imagined when I hung my first graduation pictures on the wall (to help with the echo) that I’d fill a wall in one year… I never thought I’d be starting group classes for my graduates to give them opportunities to continue educating themselves and their dogs. I’m so thankful for my husband who has picked up ALL the slack at home so I can focus on my business. He has been patient and understanding and without him I couldn’t do what I do. I’m so thankful for all the successful trainers who are willing to invest in me. I’m so thankful I’m learning how to set limits and manage my time better. I’m so thankful for understanding that it’s ok that I can’t help everyone. I have partnered with some wonderful trainers that specialize in the areas that I don’t want to focus on. MORAL OF THIS STORY… Trust your God-given passions to take you on a journey of a lifetime! Lessons That Last Dog Training, LLC

Benson go hide...

Clicker tricks are fun. Here’s one of Benson hiding. He just learned this trick this weekend.

Sometimes a found Nylabone is just too exciting!!

Another busy weekend. Plus I’ve been battling a terrible headache. Didn’t want to get out of bed this morning and I’m calling it a night when I’m done posting. I’ll post a couple videos. Facebook a lonely lonely post one video at a time, so here goes.

This was from a couple weeks ago. She’s so pretty when she heels nice.

Shortcuts

Address
Alerts
Contact The Business
Videos
Claim ownership or report listing
Want your business to be the top-listed Pet Store/pet Service?

Country:

City: