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Group of dogs of different colors and sizes smiling at the camera.

Join Us &

Start Living

the Ruff Life

Embrace the joy that comes from establishing deep understanding, trust & harmony with your pup.  

Ruff Life Dog Training Services has been helping dogs and their people live happier lives together in the Asheville area since 2018. Founded and led by renowned trainer, Tessa Sternbach, Ruff Life delivers the knowledge, practice, and confidence needed for you and your furry family member to develop deep trust and enjoy a positive, tranquil relationship.

 

No matter what your dog’s obedience level or behavioral issues, we will give you the guidance and personal attention that will enable you to learn as a team. We are eager to welcome you both!

What Gets Our Tails Wagging

Everything we do is designed to enhance the well-being of dogs & their people.

 

Through a variety of effective training class formats, educational seminars for doggie parents, bonding events that sharpen your dog’s skills, fun socialization opportunities & adoption support for dogs seeking their furever homes, we strive to continuously improve quality of life for our clients—both canine and human.

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We believe that life is so much better with dogs, and we want to give you all the tools you need to enthusiastically feel the same. 

A large dog on its hind legs in a begging stance.

Choose the Training Structure That's Right for You & Your Doggo

Two brown dogs looking at the camera.

We offer a variety of obedience training options for your pup to get the type of support he or she needs, and we're happy to help you understand the learning style that may work best for you both. Choose from personalized private sessions at home or at school, group classes, drop-off training, and board & train.

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We cover all topics for any age, so your dog can improve on the skills that will make your life together happy and smooth. Master leash walking, recall & engagement, house manners, patio hanging & more. We'll also work with you to overcome specialized behavioral issues like aggression or anxiety—we don't turn away challenging cases. It is our mission to address any need or concern you have.

Two gray dogs waiting expectantly for a treat.

Events for Pups & Their Parents

We take a holistic approach to supporting you in your pup-parenting journey.

 

We offer a schedule of engaging single-lesson classes and socialization gatherings for your dog to build on and sharpen their skills—and for you both to share some extra bonding time.

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We also provide educational opportunities designed to help you make better choices when caring for your pup!

Rescue Support

Our ultimate mission is always to improve the quality of life for dogs, so we do what we can to support those in need of good homes. We actively foster, and we've developed programs to train rescue dogs so they're fully ready to impress their future families with good behavior.

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We're proud partners in the New Leash on Life program, which facilitates rehabilitation for dogs and people through our training program at the Western Correctional Center for Women.

A black labrador running toward the camera with a ball in his mouth.

Get Slobbered in Our Client's Smiles!

A brown and white dog smiling with his tongue hanging out.
A collie breed smiling at the camera.
A black and white dog with long hair laying down.
An illustration of a dog's paw print in a pale gray color.
The face of a brown and white dog looking up at the camera with his tongue out.
Two small dogs sitting together and smiling for the camera.
An illustration of a dog's paw print in a pale gray color.
An illustration of a dog's paw print in a pale gray color.

We can't wait to see your dog's smile!

An illustration of a dog's paw print in a pale gray color.
An illustration of a dog's paw print in a pale gray color.
A dog in a kiddy pool.
A closeup of a pitbull mix with what appears to be a big smile.
An illustration of a dog's paw print in a pale gray color.
The face of a large black and white dog with his tongue hanging out.
A small black dog sitting on a stump.
Small brown dog smiling up at the camera.
An illustration of a dog's paw print in a pale gray color.
A small white dog with black spots smiling into the camera.
A closeup of a husky's face with her eyes closed and tongue out.
An illustration of a dog's paw print in a pale gray color.
A yellow lab laying on the grass with a smile.
An illustration of a dog's paw print in a pale gray color.
A large beige dog standing on a bench looking at the camera.
The face of a white and brown dog appearing to smile.
A brown and white spotted pitbull sitting in the grass.
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