My Story
My name is Loren Ripley, and I am the owner and head 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 specialist.
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 even let me bring her into class!
After high school, I joined the Army. I was one of 18 women that graduated OSUT. We were the very first group of women to go to Fort Benning as 11 Bravos. I was stationed at Fort Hood, and 1 CAV ALPHA 2-5 was my unit, hence the name Cavalry Canine for my business. Rucks were what ignited my love of hiking!
During my time in the Army, I dabbled in Schutzhund and hunt 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.