I’m Leah Lodato, a dog trainer who’s been handling dogs since 2015. I owned and operated FitPet Boston, a dog walking company, from 2015 to 2026.
I got into training in 2016 after booking a lesson with Lori for Lucky, a high-energy bully mix. Instead of loose-leash walking, she handed me a tug toy and said, “We’re going to teach this dog how to play.” That one session changed everything. Building a coach/player relationship through play transformed how Lucky and I worked together, and I was hooked.
I went on to learn everything I could from Lori and her mentee, Melissa. I was inspired as much by their skill as by their own dogs, Colton and Ripa. These dogs were the best canine companions I’d ever met.
My training philosophy centers on building dogs up through play and obedience. I’m a strong believer in off-leash hiking and the freedom to run, using the remote collar as a tool to make that freedom safe. Practicing good animal husbandry skills and teaching people how to actually live with their dogs is just as important as formal training, I strive to teach both to my clients.
When I Am Not Helping Others
I train and compete in AKC obedience, IGP obedience and disc dog sports with my own personal dogs, Reuben and Raven.
I’ve attended countless classes and training days with various clubs and schools around New England. However, I cannot write this bio without recognizing Pat Scribner and her influence on my AKC obedience training journey. From 2018-2024, Pat tutored me regularly because I attended her Competition Obedience classes at Auntie Dog in Tewksbury MA. I’m lucky to still to train with Pat on occasion.
In 2024, I completed a 6 week mentorship program for professional dog trainers with Paul Edward, head trainer at Modern Primitive K9.
In 2025, I completed a course on Canine Nutrition from the Feed Real Institute. I help dog owners, via formal nutrition consultations, build whole food feeding formulas for dogs.
You may have caught Lori and I on the FitPet Boston Talks podcast. I produced the show from 2019-2026 and it is archived on all platforms. I’ve retired the podcast but stay tuned for a reboot!
Certifications and Memberships
Pet First Aid/CPR Certified – Pro Pet Hero
CPCN Canine Nutrition Certification – Feed Real Institute
AKC CGC Evaluator
IACP (International Association of Canine Professionals) Professional Member
LRCGB (Labrador Retriever Club of Greater Boston) Club Member
Greater Lowell Kennel Club Member
Granite State Working Dog Club Member
The Fetch Collective Disc Dog Club – Director
Education
2026 3 Day AKC Obedience Camp – Laurie Strimavicus – Focus: Advanced Obedience Training
2025 Weekend Seminar – Paul Edward – Focus: Behavior Modification
2025 1 Day Seminar – Laurie Stramavicus, Train M.E. – Focus: AKC Obedience
2024 Weekend Seminar – Josh Miller, Riverstone Kennels – Focus: Formal Retriever Training
2024 6 Week Mentorship Program for Professional Dog Trainers – Paul Edward
2024 2 Day K9 Brain Lab Seminar – Paul Edward & Dr. Melanie Uhde – Focus: Neurobiology and Behavior Modification
2021 3 Day Seminar – Jay Jack/Larry Krohn/Joel Silverman – Focus: Behavior Modification
2021 Virtual Seminar – Christopher Lile “Dog is Love, Wolf is Wild”
2021 1 Day Seminar – Paul Edward “Play as a Primary Reinforcer.”
2019 Weekend Seminar – Sue Sternberg. Focus: Evaluating dogs in Rescue
2018 CPTD-KA Certification *Expired in good standing, 2022
2009 Salem State University – Bachelors of Science, Business Management