Twenty years of rescue work teaches you things no course can. Lori Johnston spent those years pulling dogs out of remote Northern Ontario communities, fostering medical rehabilitation cases, working hands-on at the shelter and assisting in a veterinary clinic. Then she bought the franchise.
Lori is your Bark Busters trainer in Sudbury and North Bay. We asked her how she got here, which dogs stole her heart, and what she wishes every owner knew.
What Brought You to Dog Training in the First Place?
I had worked with the previous trainer, Ashley, over most of her 15 years at the helm, with my own dogs, fosters and rescues. I hounded her for years to partner with me or to sell me part of the territory.
When she decided to change careers in the summer of 2025, I jumped at the chance to own the franchise.
What Is Your Favourite Breed?
Rescued is my favourite breed.
After more than 20 years as a rescuer, helping to rehab post-surgical dogs and cats, fostering, working hands-on at the shelter and as a veterinary assistant, my heart is with the rescues. I have owned many breeds over the years, mostly rescues.
Right now I am Mom to Cachou, a Golden Retriever crossed with a Siberian Husky, two Golden Retrievers called Digger and Finn, and a mini Dachshund named Hazel. All rescues. Finn is 100 percent blind, so I can attest to how well Bark Busters training adapts to support challenged dogs, whether they are blind, deaf or physically challenged in another way.
What Is a Favourite Moment You Have Had When Training?
Seeing an owner in tears after just one lesson, because she had watched her very large breed dog respond positively to training and realised she did not have to re-home or euthanize him for his behaviour.
I have seen many leash reactive dogs change their behaviour for the better. Watching the owner’s smile and that “wow” expression when they get the wins during a lesson is so very gratifying as a trainer.
What Do You Wish You Could Tell Every Dog Owner?
There is hope, no matter the breed, size, age or behaviour.
If owners implement what they learn and do it consistently, we will have success.
Ready to Work With Lori?
If you live in Sudbury, North Bay, Espanola, Parry Sound, Hanmer, Lively, Val Caron, Garson or the surrounding areas, Lori is your local Bark Busters trainer. As a certified Behaviour Therapist and Trainer she works with dog aggression, separation anxiety, puppy training, leash pulling, excessive barking, food aggression, jumping up and general obedience, all in the comfort of your own home.
Every Bark Busters training program includes our Life Of Dog Support Guarantee, so you have our support for the life of your dog.
Call or text Lori at 249-979-5674 to book your in-home training session.
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