Lisa Lombardo – For the Love of Animals
Lisa
was born with an infinite love for all animals and at the tender age of twelve,
she began pursuing her lifetime calling – learning the basics of canine care and
training – while working at the Casa De Amigos on Cannery Row, a local boarding
kennel, near her hometown of Pacific Grove, California.
Already an experienced canine handler and caretaker by the time Lisa graduated
from high school she enlisted in the US Air Force and initially served as a law
enforcement officer. However, it didn’t take long for the military to discover
that Lisa’s talents, knowledge and passion for their four-pawed recruits was a
special skill set the US government needed and she was transferred to a unit
charged with creating and managing a new kennel at Cannon AFB, New Mexico.
Lisa’s next assignment found her abroad, assisting with the care and training of
military canines stationed at the RAF Lakenheath Base on the rolling green
meadows of England’s countryside. After her military service was completed, Lisa
followed the sun – and her favorite furry pals – to work as a Veterinarian
Assistant at the Town & Country Vet in Juno Beach, Florida.
From 1985-1993, Lisa switched gears – though only slightly – when she worked for
FP & L as a meter reader. Unsurprisingly, Lisa daily dealt with unfamiliar,
friendly and not so friendly dogs, cats, snakes, and any number of curious
household pets and began sensing a greater need for pet training in private
homes.
Ever entrepreneurial, Lisa began a yacht cleaning business that piqued her
interest in the marine world. In due course, she earned her Coast Guard
Captain’s license and began serving as a private yacht captain. Lisa excelled at
running yachts from 60-85 feet and traveling throughout the US, Caribbean, and
the Bahamas.
While the excitement of yachting fulfilled the more adventurous part of her
spirit, Lisa missed the deepest and most important part of her life – dogs – and
when she was offered an apprentice training position with Olde Towne School for
Dogs in Alexandria, Virginia, she jumped at the chance.
After studying as a trainer under Carlo and Sandy Megais, Lisa started her own
dog training business, Canine Connection in 2002. Building on her past
experience and latest training to develop a unique set of effective techniques,
Lisa taught group and private classes in Arlington, Alexandria, Mclean, and
Vienna. Her clientele ranged from high-placed government officials and foreign
leaders to hard working moms and dads; all of whom sought to become better pet
owners with better behaved pets.
Following warmer climes once more, Lisa moved her dog training business back to
Florida in 2008, along with briefly opening a dog store, Bark & Browse in
Gulfport.
Deciding to focus exclusively on dog training through Canine Connections, Lisa
closed the retail shop and now offers day school training classes, group lessons
and lessons in private homes.
As a committed dog trainer, Lisa continues her education by participating in
trainer seminars, monitoring canine literature, adhering to professional
standards and ethics and maintaining close relationships with the local
veterinarian community.
THE FOUR PRINCIPLES: Lisa Lombardo is
the sole owner of Canine Connection and remains guided by these four principles:
1. The most important part of In-kind Training is developing a bond and
understanding for both parties – owner and pet.
2. Training should be fun and rewarding.
3. The goal is to make you proud of your pet and include them in every step of
your life.
4. A spoiled pet is great, but a pet with manners is greater.
Professional Affiliations
Licensed & Insured
Organizer of Passionate Paws – Therapy dogs working with PTS (Post-
Traumatic Stress) at Bay Pines, VA Hospital, All Children's Hospital and Hospice
Trained with Martin Deeley, Hunting Dog Trainer
Worked with Kevin Healy, US Marshals Service
Volunteer- Southeast Guide dogs
Member- Big Brothers/Big Sisters
