Winner of Best of 2023 Mountain X Winner: #1 Trainer/Training Facility, #2 Pet Kennel, and #2 Pet Day Care Facility. Thank you to everyone who voted for us!
Winner of 2022 Best of Mountain X!
TRAINING DOGS AND HUMANS FOR A LIFE IN HARMONY
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Tessa Sternbach
Owner / Head Trainer
Tessa is the founder and owner of Ruff Life AVL and has been training since 2014 as a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA). She has in-depth knowledge of canine learning and ethology, the science of behavior, and a passion for helping people and pups have a fun and peaceful life together. She believes in using best practice techniques, avoiding unnecessary aversive stimuli, and having an open mind for continuous learning.
Ashley Dinges
Supervising Trainer
New to the Asheville area, Ashley's training experience before Ruff Life was limited to the work she did with her own dog, Althea. Althea was a troubled child, and after years of working with her and self-education, Ashley knew that she wanted to help others gain the same relationship with their dog as she had created with her own. Her goal is to give owners the tools they need to create long-lasting, healthy relationships and great communication skills between themselves and their furry family members. She highly recommends checking out the book Canine Body Language By Brenda Aloff to understand more about dog language.
Noah Young
Administrative Manager
Noah is part of the administrative staff. He loves working at Ruff Life because we do not discriminate against dogs or people, and we work with all dogs to get them to a better place in their training and to get them in a place where life isn't as scary. Outside of Ruff Life, he loves to travel and dabble in photography.
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Ora Mann
Assistant Trainer
Ora began their journey with Ruff Life as a Socialization Assistant and remains a valued team member, playing an essential role in supporting our pack activities.