meet our instructors
Our Amazing Team of Instructors
The Ridgeside K9 Dog Trainer Shadow Program is a team of skilled trainers who come from various backgrounds, bringing a diverse set of experiences to provide you with the highest quality training and education available. Whether you are looking for basic obedience training, advanced behavior modification, or specialized training for service dogs, our team has the expertise to meet your needs.
Training dogs is a very rewarding experience. As a dog trainer, you can help dogs reach their full potential and assist owners in managing their pets’ behavior. It is truly amazing to see families overcome challenges and thrive. Whether you are considering dog training as a career or a hobby, our program can offer the guidance and support you need to start this fulfilling journey.
Aaron Taylor, Owner
Aaron Taylor, the dedicated owner of Ridgeside K9, LLC, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge gained from a remarkable journey to the dog training world. His unwavering commitment to service is evident in his impressive background. Aaron served as a United States Marine for six years, gaining invaluable experience in both Infantry and Diplomatic Security. He is proudly rated as a 100% combat-disabled veteran, making Ridgeside K9 a truly disabled veteran-owned business.
Following his military service, Aaron transitioned seamlessly into Law Enforcement in the Northern Virginia region, where he dedicated 15 years of his life to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office(LCSO). Throughout his tenure, Aaron’s career path led him through various roles, showcasing his versatility and dedication., including earning a bachelor’s degree in business from George Washington University. He served in roles such as community policing, narcotics, full-time SWAT, Patrol K9, and SWAT K9, demonstrating his commitment to ensuring the safety and security of his community.
Aaron’s journey toward becoming a prominent figure in the dog training industry began as a hobby and then evolved into a lifelong passion. In 2013, he converted this passion into a small side business, relying solely on word-of-mouth referrals. With determination and a deep love for dogs, he officially established Ridgeside K9 while still working as a patrol K9 on the midnight shift in 2016.
Ridgeside K9’s inception was humble, starting with just one wire crate. From August 2016 to August 2018, Aaron tirelessly balanced his role as a patrol K9 officer while nurturing and growing the business. In 2018, Ridgeside K9 reached a significant turning point, leading to Aaron’s well-deserved retirement from the LCSO with an impressive 21 years of dedicated service.
Today, Aaron Taylor’s journey, marked by selfless service, a profound connection with dogs, and a passion for training, continues to inspire and drive the success of Ridgeside K9 as a nationwide leader in obedience training. With his expertise and experience, Aaron has personally overseen training thousands of dogs, establishing himself as a renowned and highly skilled trainer in the industry. He finds immense joy in mentoring and teaching trainers who demonstrate dedication and a genuine eagerness to learn, passing on his knowledge to the next generation of dog training professionals.
Gilbert "Iggy" Yguerabide, Director of Training & Education
Iggy brings experience and dedication to Ridgeside K9, where his 22 years of service in the Marine Corps have forged a foundation of disciplined leadership and educational distinction. His journey, spanning over two decades of military service, pinnacled when he served as a Marine Corps Education Office and as the Unit Training Management Supervisor of the Marine Corps in his final tour, where he developed a deep commitment to leadership and lifelong learning. With academic achievements, including a Master’s in Adult Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, complemented by a Canine Training and Behavior Specialist certification, Iggy brings a rich and diverse understanding of learning processes that apply to humans and dogs.
In his role at Ridgeside K9, Iggy’s extensive experience is invaluable. His practical expertise in dog training, developed over years of hands-on work with various breeds and behavioral challenges, is matched by his exceptional teaching abilities. He has a unique talent for making complex training concepts understandable and engaging for students of all levels. His approach is patient and clear, creating an environment that empowers and challenges students. He imparts technical knowledge and mentors students in developing their analytical processes in canine behavior. Iggy’s humble approach underscores the depth of expertise and sincerity in his dog training and education commitment.
Britney Pelletier
Britney’s journey into the world of dog training began in 2000 with a simple yet impactful experience at Petco, where she attended group classes with her SPCA-rescued Beagle, Obie. Obie’s transformation and subsequent “most improved” award ignited Britney’s passion for dog training, a path she has pursued with dedication both professionally and personally since 2005. Her commitment to excellence in dog training was further shaped by her service as a combat medic in the US Army, where she discovered the therapeutic solace that working with dogs can provide.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Britney has traveled the world on a mission, seeking to refine her training techniques and build a network of friendships across the dog training community worldwide. While she is known for competitively training her German Shepherds for National Championship-level dog sports, Britney also has a special place in her heart for smaller breeds, as seen with her cherished 12-year-old Pomeranian/Shih Tzu mix, David. For Britney, the challenges of dog training are far outweighed by the profound satisfaction and joy it brings, making every moment of her career and life deeply rewarding.
EJ Trammel
EJ’s journey in the world of canine training is marked by a blend of rigorous academic pursuit and hands-on, high-stakes operational experience. With an educational background from a renowned professional dog training school, EJ mastered various disciplines, including Detection, Obedience, Search and Rescue, and Personal Protection/Decoy. This extensive training laid the groundwork for a diverse and robust skill set, preparing him for the multifaceted challenges of dog training.
Transitioning from academia to the field, EJ spent seven years at the forefront of government contracting, specializing in the training of Explosive Detection canines and their handlers. His work, crucial for the safety and security operations of the Department of State contracts in Iraq and for airport cargo searches, underscores his commitment to excellence and his vital role in ensuring public safety through canine capabilities.
With a decade of dedicated dog training experience, EJ embodies a rare combination of theoretical knowledge and practical expertise. His journey reflects a profound dedication to enhancing the lives and performance of canines and their human partners, showcasing his unparalleled skills and deep understanding of the canine-human connection.
AARON JETER
Aaron’s journey into dog training is rich and diverse, rooted deeply in his Winchester origins and a distinguished career in Law Enforcement. With over 12 years of experience, his career was notably marked by his role as a K9 handler, where he developed a profound connection and understanding of canine capabilities. His tenure in law enforcement saw him successfully work and train alongside esteemed teams from the Virginia State Police, Fairfax County, and the FBI, with his loyal Bloodhound by his side.
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Driven by a desire to expand his horizons and offer more to his family, Aaron made the pivotal decision to transition from law enforcement to the private sector, joining the Ridgeside K9 team. This shift was not just a change in career paths but a continuation of his lifelong commitment to working with dogs, which began with hunting dogs early in his life. At Ridgeside K9, Aaron has dedicated over five years to training house pets, leveraging his extensive background to enhance the lives of both dogs and their owners. His unique blend of professional K9 experience and innate passion for dog training positions him as a vital asset to the Ridgeside K9 team, bringing invaluable expertise and quality to our diverse training programs.
Johnnie Oakes
Johnnie’s connection with dogs is both a personal legacy and a professional calling. As a disabled combat veteran of the 1-501st PIR during OEF 3 and 4, his journey with dogs began in the conformation show ring and breeding, evolving over more than a decade into public training, including roles as an American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen (CGC) & AKC Temperament Test evaluator. His passion is deeply rooted in his family history, from his great-grandfather’s bear dogs to his grandfather’s bird dogs, and his parents’ roles as handlers at the Smithsonian Institution’s Conservation & Research Center. Raised on 300 acres, a childhood rule was never to venture outside without a dog, a principle that became a foundation for his life, where his personal dogs have offered companionship, growth, and emotional support.
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Returning from service, Johnnie confronted personal challenges, finding solace and healing in the company of dogs. In a world where societal norms often stifle men’s emotional expression, dogs provided Johnnie with a space for vulnerability and healing, helping him navigate his emotions and recover from the trauma of war. Through his work with dogs and their families, Johnnie not only contributes to their training but also reinforces his own journey of healing and self-discovery. His story is one of transformation, showcasing how the unconditional love of dogs can lead to profound personal growth and fulfillment that extends beyond career goals and aspirations.
DIANNA WEEKS
Emily Mutton
Emily is a fantastic addition to the Ridgeside K9 team, whose journey from the soccer fields of Ashburn to the training grounds of RSK9 is nothing short of inspiring. Emily’s passion for competition and team spirit was evident early on with a state championship win at Briar Woods High School. Her enthusiasm for sports was equally matched by her fascination with psychology, which she pursued at James Madison University. Go Dukes!
However, it was her beloved boxer, Moby, who truly set her path toward dog training and companionship. Moby was more than a pet; he was the catalyst for Emily’s profound appreciation of the impact dogs have on human lives. This realization compelled her to balance her psychology studies with hands-on experience as a kennel-tech in Harrisonburg, deeply immersing herself in the world of dog behavior and care.
At Ridgeside K9, Emily has truly found her calling. Combining her academic background in psychology with her innate love for teaching, Emily has developed a unique approach to dog training. She excels not only in training dogs but also in educating their owners and creating harmonious, fulfilling relationships between them. Her methods are not just about obedience; they are about enhancing communication and understanding between dogs and humans.
Emily’s story is a powerful reminder of where passion can lead when coupled with dedication, education, and training. At RSK9, Emily is more than a trainer; she is a mentor, a guide, and a bridge between people and their canine companions, enhancing lives and fostering lasting bonds.