About Shepherd Expedition

Hi, I’m Lara. I’m a Certified Dog Trainer with the Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP) designation, an AKC Level 3 FIT DOG Instructor, Leave No Trace Instructor, and ISSA Certified Running Coach. I’ve spent more than 20 years training dogs and decades living with German Shepherds. I’m also a hiker, backpacker, runner, endurance sports photographer, and lifelong outdoor enthusiast. I’ve logged thousands of miles on trails throughout the United States and Canada.

My experience with dogs, fitness, emergency response, and the outdoors all come together through Shepherd Expedition™.

My mission is simple: to help dogs and their people develop the skills, confidence, and safety awareness they need to enjoy the outdoors together.

How Shepherd Expedition Started

Dogs have been a major part of my life for as long as I can remember. Over the years, I’ve trained clients’ dogs with different temperaments, personalities, and abilities while spending countless hours hiking, backpacking, camping, and traveling with my own dogs.

I’ve always enjoyed a challenge. I’ve competed in sports and pushed myself to see what I could accomplish. I still appreciate a difficult trail, a long hike, or the satisfaction of reaching a challenging destination.

After years of competing and pursuing milestones, I wanted to approach outdoor experiences differently. I wanted to spend less time focused on accomplishments and more time enjoying the trail, the views, and the experience of being immersed in nature. That shift in perspective became part of the foundation for Shepherd Expedition.

Why I Created Shepherd Expedition

My goal is to help people safely and confidently explore the outdoors with their dogs. You don’t have to be an elite athlete or an experienced backpacker to enjoy hiking, camping, and exploring together. Start where you are, learn what your dog needs, and build your skills and confidence one step at a time.

What You’ll Find Here

Shepherd Expedition is about hiking and backpacking, canine fitness and conditioning, camping, dog-friendly travel, outdoor gear, safety, and responsible recreation.You’ll also find personal stories about my own dogs and experiences, including the lessons that don’t always fit neatly into a training manual or checklist.

German Shepherds and other pointy-eared dogs are at the heart of Shepherd Expedition, but you don’t have to own a German Shepherd to belong here. The information applies to dogs of all breeds and mixed breeds, and to people with different backgrounds, experience levels, and abilities.

Experience Behind Shepherd Expedition

As a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP), I have a professional foundation in science-based dog training. The KPA CTP designation reflects comprehensive education that includes a written examination, practical training evaluation, and teaching assessment. Training advice at Shepherd Expedition is informed by the guidelines and position statements published by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB).

My AKC Level 3 FIT DOG Instructor training gives me a foundation in canine fitness, while my ISSA Certified Running Coach training focuses on human endurance and progressive conditioning. Together, they help me understand what it takes to prepare both dogs and people for time on the trail.

As a Leave No Trace Instructor, I am committed to responsible recreation and protecting the outdoor spaces we enjoy. Exploring with dogs comes with a responsibility to respect other trail users, wildlife, and the natural environments we visit. Good trail stewardship is an important part of being prepared for life outdoors with your dog, and it is something I want to encourage through Shepherd Expedition.

My years as an emergency responder have heavily influenced my approach to outdoor recreation. I proudly served in the Fire Service, EMS, and Search & Rescue, experiences that taught me the value of preparation, situational awareness, teamwork, problem-solving, and staying calm when things do not go according to plan.

I have witnessed firsthand the consequences that can occur when people ignore safety guidelines, underestimate the risks around them, or push themselves (or their dog) beyond their capabilities. I was often one of the people called to help when those decisions went wrong. That experience is one reason safety is a top priority at Shepherd Expedition.

I’ve experienced the competitive side of the dog and endurance world. I’ve run trail races ranging from 5K to 100K and competed in Canicross with my working-line German Shepherds Liliana and Henryk. Henryk and I were the first team to earn all three championship levels (Bronze, Silver, and Gold) in the North American Canicross Association in 2023.

I’m proud of those accomplishments. They taught me a lot about training, competition, and myself. They also helped me realize that awards, milestones, and titles are only one way to measure success with your dog.

What I Believe

I believe dogs should be prepared for the world they actually live in, not just the controlled environments they train in. That means understanding your dog’s abilities and limitations, learning how to communicate effectively, choosing appropriate equipment, and building fitness gradually. I use and recommend positive reinforcement training to build skills, confidence, communication, and trust between dogs and their people.

There is room outdoors for beginners, weekend explorers, experienced hikers, and everyone in between. You don’t have to be an ultra runner, climb mountains, or hike a certain number of miles to have a meaningful life outdoors with your dog.

You can start with the dog you have in front of you, the experience you have, and the trails that are available to you. What matters is being willing to learn, adapt, and grow together.

Come Explore With Me

I’ll share what I’ve learned from decades of living with German Shepherds, dog training, hiking, backpacking, traveling, and simply spending time outdoors.

The more time I spend outdoors with my dogs, the more I appreciate the parts of the journey that can’t be measured in milestones or checked off a list. A beautiful view, an unexpected discovery, or a moment of connection with your dog can end up being the part you remember long after you’ve reached your destination.

There is more to a trail than the destination.™