My name is Lori Roehrig (pronounced roar-rig). Through extensive personal research, dog handling experience, and formal education, I have a comprehensive background in canine behavior and training.

My Credentials

• Owner of Direction for Dogs, LLC

• Certified Dog Trainer from Woofs of Wisdom

• Pet Grief Specialist from Animal Talks

• AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator

• AKC Trick Dog Evaluator

• AKC Fit Dog Instructor

• Associate Member in the International Association of Canine Professionals

• Completion of the American Red Cross Cat and Dog First Aid Online Class

• Graduate of Alvernia University with a Bachelor Degree and Master Degree of Business Administration 

• Graduate of Woofs of Wisdom's Trainer Academy, where I had the opportunity to:

• Assist in teaching group classes and private sessions, gaining valuable experience working with clients and their pets.

• Participate in a fully in-person program of study receiving personalized, 1-on-1 guidance and hands-on instruction.

• Delve into in-depth study modules covering key topics, including:

• Methodologies and Training Theories

• Obedience and Commands

• Behavior Modification and Common Behavior Issues

• Body Language, Vocalizations and Emotions

• Troubleshooting Behavior and Commands

• Development Stages and Breed Influences

• Dog/Dog and Human/Dog Interaction

• Types of Aggression

• Training Aids

Without the influence of Dakota, Direction for Dogs would not be in existence. Dakota was a black, Labrador Retriever mix adopted by the Roehrig family on April 24, 2020, when she was about 15 months old. She grew into a loving companion who adored spending time with her family. She enjoyed basking in the warm sun, embarking on leisurely walks, and exploring new trails on hikes. With an incredible nose that could sniff out anything, she had a hearty appetite and ate almost everything! Dakota was always eager to learn new tricks and skills, which she proudly demonstrated from time to time. For everything that Lori taught Dakota, Dakota taught Lori even more. Dakota taught Lori how to find joy in the everyday simple things in life and how to be a leader. Together they became a confident team with a strong bond, and they brought out the best in each other. 

Dakota earned six American Kennel Club (AKC) titles with Lori as her handler:

• Canine Good Citizen (CGC)

• Advanced CGC Community Canine (CGCA)

• Urban CGC (CGCU)

• Trick Dog Novice (TKN)

• Trick Dog Intermediate (TKI)

• Trick Dog Advanced (TKA)

With heavy hearts, we share that Dakota was diagnosed with lymphoma cancer at only 5 years of age, and she crossed the rainbow bridge on November 7, 2024, exactly one month after her diagnosis and in coincidence with National Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day. Even though she was taken from this world way too soon, she still managed to profoundly impact many lives. Her physical presence may be gone, but her spiritual guidance remains to navigate us through our future days. We promise to carry on the life lessons that she has taught us, and her love, loyalty, and legacy will live on through Direction for Dogs.

After a series of chance occurrences (or perhaps everything happens for a reason), the Roehrig family met a black and white, Labrador Retriever mix, who looked similar to their previous dog, Dakota. Also like Dakota, this puppy in need of a home was found as a stray on the streets of Mississippi. The two dogs also had one more significant thing in common: the puppy's date of birth was listed as the same day that Dakota passed away.

Although that is where the similarities end, and the dogs are complete opposites in every other way, the Roehrigs couldn’t deny the signs. Perhaps their paths crossed because this dog needed them or maybe they needed each other. They decided to adopt the puppy named Phillie on February 9, 2025, when he was about 13 weeks old. They are enjoying getting to know him, watching his personality form, and helping him live a happy life. He also has been a comfort in mending their broken hearts from Dakota’s passing, even though they still miss her deeply every single day. Currently, Phillie is doing a fantastic job in his role as an Ambassador of Joy, and when he grows up, he hopes to become a demonstration dog at Direction for Dogs.

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” That question was asked to my daughter. Her reply: “I want to be a dog trainer like my mom.” I was surprised - mostly because that wasn’t my career!  She assumed that was my profession because she observed me constantly reading books about dogs, volunteering with dog rescues and shelters, and training our own dog as well as helping others with their pets. I have always had a connection to dogs, which only grew stronger over the years. My daughter planted the seed of my future career choice, but I didn’t take action until I gave a simple piece of dog advice to a couple who later told me: “You saved our dog’s life!” That’s when I knew that I wanted to share my knowledge to help others on a larger scale. With the encouragement and support of my husband, I went back to school to gain the necessary training and experience, and I established Direction for Dogs, LLC. I am grateful to my family for recognizing my passion and encouraging me to pursue my true calling. I am proof that there is always time to learn and grow and make positive changes in your life. It’s never too late to teach an old dog (or human) new tricks.

My training style is that of a supportive coach who guides each dog-owner team on  their individualized path to reach their full potential. Do you know that I can teach the "sit" command in eight different ways?  It’s true! I learned many ways to teach commands and manners because not every dog learns in a one-size-fits-all approach. I recognize that every dog, like every person, has a unique learning style so I personalize my training methods and tools to suit each dog’s (and owner’s) needs and comfort levels. I am a believer of positive reinforcement training, which rewards desired behaviors. However, instead of ignoring unwanted behaviors, I feel that it is important to acknowledge them. Just as we teach children right and wrong, I believe that dogs benefit from clear, unharmful guidance for the most effective and efficient learning. 

I am a certified dog trainer. This means that I have accumulated numerous hours of professional dog training experience and that my knowledge and skills have been demonstrated and evaluated by a third party. It signifies that I have reached a high level of proficiency and that I made a promise to uphold a code of ethics and stay current in the field through continuing education. It displays my commitment to my profession and reflects the quality of service that you will receive from me.