My Story
My name is Loren Ripley, and I am the owner and trainer for Cavalry Canine. Because it’s me that travels to clients homes, conducts behavior evaluations, and keeps all client dogs in my family home, I think it’s important to tell my personal story as a trainer, and all around dog Behaviorist.
I was raised by one of the best dog behaviorists in the world, who specializes in aggression and training based on dog genetics. Ever since I was born, she’s been teaching me everything she knows, meaning I got hands-on experience with dogs from the very beginning.
I skipped the first day of first grade to help whelp a litter of American Staffordshire Terriers, I was used as bait for aggressive dogs, and for proofing dogs’ obedience. Because I grew up in a kennel/training/daycare setting, the natural next step for me was joining 4H to begin my own journey in dog sports.
I started at age 7 with my Papillon Peter Pan, and by age 9 I began showing Irish Water Spaniels in the AKC breed ring. During this time, I travelled all over the country, handling multiple Irish Water Spaniels in juniors, conformation, obedience & rally, taking home wins in every sport.
I spent my high school summers on the East Coast with a world renowned breeder raising litters of puppies. From the moment the pups were born until the day they went home, they were in my care. This is where I learned to groom, developing a versatile set of skills that can be applied to any coat, and any breed.
At 15, I began training professionally for a local kennel while I continued to compete in 4H, taking overall grand champion in obedience 4 years in a row.
In the morning before school I would head to work, then I would take my Water Spaniel Brynn to school with me. Some teachers (thanks Mr. coleburn) even let me bring her into class, and then I'd head right back to work after school.
After high school, I joined the Army. I was one of the first female infantrymen that graduated OSUT. I've never backed down from a challenge, especially being one of the country's first female 11B’s. I was stationed at Fort Hood, 1CAV ALPHA 2-5, hence the name Cavalry Canine for my business.
During my time in the Army, I dabbled in Schutzhund and field training while fostering and training dogs wherever I could.
When I came home from the service I got right back to training professionally. I spent some time at my original kennel, then worked for Invisible Fence. After awhile though, I decided it was time to follow in my mentor’s footsteps and start my own business. Dog Training by Loren Ripley was where it all began, and after a couple years of learning the ropes, building new friendships, and starting a family, we have come to the present, and Cavalry Canine.