Team
Katie- Owner/ Trainer with Rika
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The Heart Behind Ridgeline K9
Katie’s journey with animals began at a young age, competing with horses from the age of four through college. Her deep love for animals and unique ability to communicate with them has always been a defining part of her life.
After earning an associate’s degree in medical assisting from Linn Benton Community College, Katie dedicated a decade to the medical field. However, following the birth of her daughter in 2018, Katie faced challenges with PTSD stemming from a traumatic childhood experience. This pivotal moment led her to refocus on her true passion—working with animals.
In 2018, Katie’s dog Rika embarked on a path of protection work, inspiring Katie to establish Ridgeline K9, a dog training and boarding business. Since then, Ridgeline K9 has flourished, serving the community in numerous ways.
Katie is immensely grateful for the knowledge she has gained from esteemed dog trainers and countless hours of self-study. She cherishes the Ridgeline K9 community and takes pride in helping families forge deeper connections with their dogs, bringing out the best in both. Katie’s mission is to provide exceptional service, enhancing the bond between owners and their dogs, and helping each dog reach its full potential.
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Ani - Trainer
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Ani started her dog training journey almost 5 years ago with her golden retriever, Maya.
Maya had a variety of genetic behavioral issues that could only be worked through with a balanced approach. Ani's previous experience was purely positive reinforcement while working with foster and shelter dogs. While she trains dogs with as much positive reinforcement as possible, she can recognize that not every dog can be trained that way and that each dog needs an individuaized approach. She now strives to help other people accomplish their goals to ultemately be able to live their best lives possible with their canine companions.
Ani specializes in service dogs (dogs specially trained to help midigate their handlers disabilities) she has experience training a variety of tasks as well as preparing dogs for public access. She will happily evaluate dogs for service work and can even help in the search for a service dog prospect.
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Ani also has experience working closely with groomers and is great at working with dogs who are fearful or have trouble with handeling to better prepare them for their grooming.
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Ani Services Salem, and surrounding areas.
Justin
Owner/Trainer with Draco
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Justin is a certified PSA Decoy. Draco has earned his PDC in PSA and will be trialing for his PSA1 in 2025
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Justin has a passion for being a training decoy for sport, protection and police work. He volunteers weekly to help local and surrounding police departments work their K9s.