My name is Lori Lodato, and I’ve been training dogs since 2003—when I became convinced that my yellow Lab puppy, Bella, was plotting my death.
I got Bella while I was undergoing cancer treatment because I needed a friend. At our first meeting, I told my dog trainer exactly that while showing her the bites and scratches all over my hands and arms. Up until then, my only training-related experience had been multiple rounds of antibiotics from Bella’s mouthing and nipping. In hindsight, getting a puppy during cancer treatment may not have been my best idea but at that time, I needed a friend and what better friend is there than a dog.
As I learned how to train Bella, she got better. Thankfully, so did my health and my training skills. After finishing my transplant and radiation treatments, I began a mentorship with my trainer and moved to New Hampshire, where I literally lived in a dog kennel. Yes, really.
Those first four years were a 24/7 crash course in dogs and laid the foundation for everything I’ve accomplished in my career. During that time, I gained extensive experience training dogs of all breeds, ages, and temperaments. I prepared puppies for IGP competition and AKC obedience and worked closely with local Rottweiler breeder Karen Hayes. That’s when I fell in love with the breed and later titled my own Rottweiler, Ripa, with a BH. Our days were filled with AKC conformation and obedience shows, IGP training, and trials. During that time, I also adopted my Pit Bull, Shamus, and from that point on, we became Lori, Bella, Ripa, and Shamus Lodato.
Over the years, I’ve taught private lessons and group classes, supervised dog playgroups, and worked with dogs in day-training and board-and-train programs. I gained extensive knowledge in boarding operations, overnight care, and pet first aid, while attending countless seminars on canine learning theory, behavior modification, advanced training techniques, and coaching owners to become confident, effective handlers.
More importantly, I was surrounded by incredible trainers and handlers who remain my friends and mentors today. We learned from each other every day, and that experience has been invaluable.
In 2007, after years of hands-on experience, I earned my CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer–Knowledge Assessed) certification, one of the most respected certifications in the industry at that time. I have maintained that certification by continuing education though nothing compares to the hands on experience I had at the kennel.
In 2020, I entered the world of AKC obedience with my current Rottweiler and best friend, Buddha. Together, we’ve earned numerous titles, including RACH, CGCA, TKA, CDX, RAE3, RM3, and THD. Working with Buddha taught me new ways to train, communicate, and problem-solve—lessons I now bring to every private lesson and group class. It also proved to me that if you put in the work, great things are possible, and I’ve had the privilege of helping many of my clients achieve goals they never thought possible with their own dogs.
As a therapy dog team, Buddha and I launched the “Read to a Dog” program at the Woburn Public Library in 2021 and participated in weekly visits at Kennedy Middle School, along with monthly visits to the Daniel L. Joyce Memorial Middle School and Woburn Memorial High School’s Best Buddies program. These experiences made me a better trainer, a better handler, and a better teacher, especially when working with children. I am deeply grateful to the Woburn Public Library and the educators who welcomed us into their communities.
When I work with dogs and their people, the training process may be different but my goal is always the same for every team-I want you to have a loving, fulfilling relationship with your dog that’s built on structure, communication, obedience, and play. If you’re a new dog owner feeling overwhelmed, I’ll never forget where I started—with a puppy who seemed determined to take me out and a whole lot to learn.
I’ve been there. I’ll be with you every step of the way.
CURRENT LICENSE, CERTIFICATION, AND ACTIVITIES
Certified Professional Dog Trainer- Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) No. 4071458
AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator No. 27815 12/31/2012-Present
AKC Community Canine (CGCA)
AKC Urban CGC (CGCU)
AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy
AKC Trick Dog Titles
TKN:Novice Trick Dog
TKI:Intermediate Trick Dog
TKA: Advanced Trick Dog
TKP: Trick Dog Performer
Supporting Member: Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) 1/23/2007-Present
First Aid and CPR for Pets Certified by ProPetHero
CERTIFICATE NUMBER
178251866315188
DATE ISSUED
27 Jun 2026- 27 Jun 2028