Our Mission
At Rideout Ruff Pups, we believe every dog deserves the chance to be understood, supported, and celebrated—no matter their past. We offer training and behavior support for dogs of all backgrounds, specializing in dogs who’ve had a ruff start in life through shelters or rescues. Using science-backed, evidence-based methods rooted in positive reinforcement and compassion, we help dogs and their humans build trust, confidence, and a lasting bond. Our approach is force-free, trauma-aware, and tailored to each dog’s unique needs—because every pup deserves the opportunity to thrive.
About Jen
My journey into dog training began with my own challenging dogs. I was determined to help them succeed without losing the quirks and personalities that made them who they were. Later, when I began volunteering at an animal shelter (a little later in life than I’d like to admit), I fell completely in love with dog training, behavior, and the unique resilience of shelter dogs.
I quickly realized how many dogs find themselves in shelters or surrendered — not because they’re “bad dogs,” but because life happens: housing changes, crises, or behavior struggles families don’t know how to navigate. I wanted to be a bridge: someone who could step in with knowledge, empathy, and accessible training support so that keeping a beloved dog wasn’t a luxury limited by price.
What makes me different? I’m not an obedience trainer. Sure, your dog might learn a great sit or down along the way, but I care much more about the real-life behaviors that matter to your relationship. Calmness when greeting a new person. Confidence when walking past another dog. The ability to rest and regulate after a stressful event. My work focuses on creating understanding, building trust, and helping dogs and humans thrive together.
My Training Philosophy
At Rideout Ruff Pups, everything we will do is grounded in:
Positive Reinforcement: Training that rewards success, builds confidence, and avoids force or fear.
Empathy First: We can’t control the world — the fireworks, the sudden noises, the busy streets — but we can choose how we support our dogs through those challenges.
Choice & Agency: Dogs, like humans, deserve opportunities to make choices. Maybe they choose jerky over cheese. Maybe they choose a break during training. I give dogs ways to communicate their needs — and teach guardians how to listen.
Holistic Support: Training isn’t just about cues; it’s about emotional regulation, enrichment, and creating safe, predictable environments where dogs can flourish.
Partnership with People: Dogs don’t come with instruction manuals. I coach pet parents just as much as dogs, giving you tools, analogies, and guidance to understand your pup better and anticipate their needs.
My goal for you and your dog is not perfection. It’s connection. It’s helping you build a strong, loving partnership where both you and your dog feel seen, supported, and safe.
