Lori Jo Oswald, Ph.D., CPDT-KA, ABCDT, CGC has been a teacher most of her adult life: first a music teacher, then a college English professor, and now a certified dog trainer. Her love for animals has been lifelong, and she has raised, trained, and cared for many dogs. She has also volunteered for humane societies since high school, and currently directs STOP the Overpopulation of Pets, Inc. Her numerous publications on animals include the often reprinted essay “Donovan” in Dog Fancy and a story in Chicken Soup for the Dog and Cat Lovers Soul, again reprinted often.
Her dog Blue was featured on KTUU.com and the Frontiersman for her gentle visits with seniors and others. But it was fostering – and then adopting – a fear-reactive dog that got Lori Jo interested in helping dogs with issues, as well as the people who love them.
For the past five years, Lori Jo has made it her mission to understand dog behavior by studying, observing, and training dogs. She has attended the APDT convention in Las Vegas, taken numerous classes (various obedience classes from four different schools, plus from Better Companion: Foundation Class, Grade School, Nose Work classes, & Trick Dog), and attended workshops (Suzanne Clothier 3-day workshop, Better Companion Feisty Fido & Reactive Dogs). Lori Jo has taught many dog obedience classes, including Puppy 1, Puppy 2, Foundation, & Canine Good Citizen. She believes in positive relationship-building training that is fun for both the pet owner and the dog. She also has almost always had multiple dogs in her household, so she is well-versed in answering questions about training dogs together as well as separately.
Lori Jo provides local area (near Colville, Washington) private lessons and classes. She says, “My aim is to help you improve your bond with your dog through communication and training. We will use positive reinforcement methods such as treats, praise, play, and toys and avoid punishment methods. My philosophy is that dog training should be FUN … for you and your pet.”