SERVING ALL OF CENTRAL ILLINOIS
SERVING ALL OF CENTRAL ILLINOIS
Ridgeside K9 is a veteran-owned business. Our company brings realism to the pet dog training world that is unmatched in the industry. Ridgeside K9 believes there is no “one size fits all” approach to dog training. Each dog and owner are evaluated for issues and their personal goals. Every training package is customized to meet your goals and your dog’s training threshold. We use a mix of marker training, free shaping, and classical and operant conditioning to establish real-world, measurable, and reliable obedience and control. We always push for clarity of task and understanding, communication is the key to success. Showing both dog and owner a new way!
At the heart of Ridgeside K9 Central Illinois are owners Sean and Amber, a dedicated couple with a shared passion for dogs and their community. Together, their expertise and community involvement earned them an invitation to join the Ridgeside K9 family, a nationally recognized brand known for its professionalism and excellence in dog training. Sean and Amber are proud to bring their talents and dedication to Central Illinois, where they continue to enrich the lives of dogs and their owners.
Sean is a proud U.S. Army veteran, having served for over 10 years before being medically discharged due to an injury. During his recovery, Sean found his passion in training detection K9s, a journey that began while training his own service dog. This newfound love for dog training led Sean to pursue formal education at The Tom Rose School for Professional Dog Trainers, one of the most respected institutions in the industry.
With a background in detection K9s, Sean specializes in high-level obedience, behavioral modifications, and service dog training. Before founding Ridgeside K9 Central Illinois, Sean ran his own successful training facility, offering not only professional services but also free community events.
Amber quickly became a beloved figure in the local community through her in-home care services for animals. Her genuine love for dogs and dedication to their well-being made her a trusted resource for families. With 10 years of marriage and a shared commitment to their craft, Sean and Amber decided to take the leap into full-time service, combining their skills to benefit the community they care so deeply about.
Meet Brittney, our dynamic Admin and Manager, affectionately known as the “Boss Bitch.” Brittney joined our team two years ago, initially seeking training for her beloved dog, Axel. Her passion for dog training quickly shone through as she became the star pupil, demonstrating exceptional dedication and skill.
With her extensive knowledge gained from her own training journey, Brittney now plays a pivotal role in our organization. She not only teaches group classes but also expertly manages our boarding program, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Her ability to navigate the unique challenges of the dog training and boarding industry has been outstanding.
Brittney’s leadership and expertise make her an invaluable asset to our team, and her love for helping others and dogs alike truly sets her apart.
Russ is a U.S. Navy Seabee Veteran and experienced dog trainer with more than 20 years of hands-on work with dogs. He began by training hunting dogs, and over the years expanded his expertise into K9 training, obedience, and behavior modification. Russ has worked with dogs from all backgrounds, including abused, mistreated, and difficult cases that many people would give up on. Some of those dogs were successfully rehabilitated and rehomed, while others became lifelong members of his family.
His passion for dogs has only grown stronger with time, especially when it comes to helping the ones that need the most patience, structure, and understanding. Russ has continued sharpening his skills by learning from a wide range of experienced trainers throughout the years, giving him a well-rounded and practical approach to training. Working alongside Sean and Amber has further strengthened his abilities and helped him turn his long-standing dream into reality as a full-time professional dog trainer.
Russ is committed to helping dogs and their owners build better communication, stronger trust, and lasting results through clear, effective training.
Olivia’s lifelong passion for animals began in childhood, when she took the lead in training her family’s dogs through local group classes. While she initially dreamed of a career in the medical field, life led her to work at an animal rescue. During her time there, she met and adopted Rocket, a lively, sometimes spicy little Chihuahua mix.
After moving to Central Illinois and leaving a job at a doggy daycare, Olivia was looking for a better opportunity in the dog world when she applied to work as a volunteer kennel tech so she could learn more about dog training and behavior. She quickly moved up the ranks thanks to her eagerness to learn and her ability to apply information in real time.
While working there, she formed an unbreakable bond with Mocha, a timid rescue Malinois who had returned to their care. Working with Mocha further fueled Olivia’s dedication to rehabilitating fearful dogs and helping them find their voice and confidence.
Today, she helps with board and trains and private lessons while also working part time as a veterinary receptionist.
Meet Jen, our dedicated apprentice dog trainer at Ridgeside K9 Central Illinois. Jen’s journey with dogs is inspiring and reflects her commitment to both training and the well-being of the animals in her care.
Jen first crossed paths with Sean at Tractor Supply Company about a year and a half ago, while managing her spirited seven-month-old All American Mix, Payzlee. Challenges with Payzlee, who was a lively and sometimes unruly pup, pushed Jen to seek guidance. Despite her background with dogs and the successful training of her two previous pets, she found herself at a crossroads with Payzlee, who had demonstrated behavioral issues that made life challenging.
Fast forward to October 2024, and Jen’s perseverance has paid off. Under her guidance, Payzlee has achieved her first level of Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification, with aspirations for the second and third levels already in sight. Additionally, Jen is now training her eight-month-old Belgian Malinois, Taner, showcasing her growing skills as a trainer.
What started as weekly training sessions in the park evolved into a role assisting with training at our AESK9 facility. Jen has embraced the opportunity to become part of a team that genuinely prioritizes the needs of dogs and their owners. Both of her dogs attend doggy day care while she manages her long shifts, and she ensures to keep their skills sharp by running them through agility courses and focusing on basic obedience and drive building for protection work.
Jen’s passion for dog training shines through, and she is excited to share her knowledge and help others in the community during the weekends. We are proud to have her as part of our Ridgeside K9 family!
