Our Philosophy
At Ridgeside K9 Charlottesville, we believe that true obedience is built on trust, clarity, and consistency. Our approach is not just about commands—it’s about creating a language between you and your dog, one rooted in mutual understanding and respect.
Every dog is unique, and every owner has different goals. That’s why we take a tailored approach, combining proven training methodologies with individualized strategies to shape well-mannered, confident, and reliable companions. Through a refined balance of structure and freedom, we cultivate obedience that extends beyond training sessions—seamlessly integrating into your daily life.
We do not believe in quick fixes or one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, we focus on sustainable training that delivers lasting results, ensuring that both you and your dog feel empowered, connected, and in sync. Our expertise, combined with an unwavering commitment to excellence, allows us to provide an elevated training experience—one that refines behavior, strengthens bonds, and creates a lifetime of harmony.
Our Expert Trainers
As a leading police-owned facility in Charlottesville, VA, we bring a unique blend of professional rigor and heartfelt passion to our work.
We recognize that each dog has its own personality and needs, which is why our services are crafted to be as individual as your canine companion. From building foundational obedience to solving complex behavioral issues or teaching advanced skills like protection and tracking, we tailor each program to suit both your goals and your dog’s pace.
Our training is based on clear and effective communication. We blend advanced techniques such as marker training, free shaping, and both classical and operant conditioning, aiming to create a deep understanding and responsive bond that goes beyond standard training.
By joining the Ridgeside K9 Charlottesville family, you’re stepping into a warm community of dedicated trainers. We care deeply about nurturing lasting relationships, focusing on mutual respect and a shared commitment to enhancing the life and happiness of your dog.
Owner & Lead TrainerTrent Ashman
Trent ’s lifelong journey with dogs started in the vast, arid landscapes of the desert southwest, where he spent his youth training and running hunting dogs. This early connection with animals and the great outdoors steered him to Oregon State University, where he pursued and achieved dual degrees in Biology and Law & Policy.
While at OSU, Trent discovered the world of working dogs through an extensive internship with a local law enforcement agency. It was here that he was mentored by some of the brightest minds in the field, igniting a deep-seated passion for the intricate world of police canines.
Trent began his law enforcement career as a patrol deputy and then relocated to Virginia with his wife, where they both continued their careers. It was in the DC Metropolitan Area that Trent’s dedication truly flourished. He ascended to the role of a police canine handler, where he trained and worked with multiple dual-purpose canines, enriching his expertise and love for the discipline.
Throughout his law enforcement tenure, Trent remained committed to continuous learning and education. He became a certified state instructor, imparting his knowledge and experience to a new generation of police officers and canine handlers. After retiring from law enforcement, Trent’s thirst for knowledge led him to enroll in the NePoPo Silver School, aiming for the prestigious NePoPo Gold School certification. He also holds several AKC certifications, including AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, Canine Good Citizen (CGC), and more.
Over the last five years with Ridgeside K9, and throughout his professional career, Trent has worked with hundreds of dogs, continually enhancing his skills by participating in seminars and workshops led by renowned figures in the dog training industry. In 2024, Trent, alongside his family, embarked on a new chapter by opening Ridgeside K9 Charlottesville, a testament to his enduring passion and dedication to canine training.
Dog TrainerRob Johnson
Rob’s entry into the world of dog training began with his first dog, Madison, a spirited German Shorthaired Pointer. Together, they ventured across the country, engaging in upland bird hunting—a shared passion that tested their skills and deepened their bond in the competitive hunting sport scene.
Rob’s professional path took a significant turn when he joined the Virginia State Police, where he diligently climbed the ranks to join the agency’s esteemed patrol canine unit. As a patrol canine handler, Rob not only excelled in the field but also rose to become a lead instructor, shaping the training and deployment strategies of the unit.
His partnership with his patrol dog, Bodey, saw them serving across Virginia, culminating in their final assignment in the Charlottesville region. This experience further fueled Rob’s dedication to canine training, eventually leading him to join the Ridgeside K9 family.
Throughout his career with Ridgeside K9 and beyond, Rob has worked with hundreds of dogs from various backgrounds, each with their own unique challenges and needs. He is committed to lifelong learning, continually updating his expertise through seminars and collaborative workshops with some of the leading experts in the dog training field. This ongoing education ensures that Rob remains at the forefront of canine training techniques, ready to enrich the lives of dogs and their owners alike.
Dog TrainerAmber Rash
Amber’s journey began with a lifelong passion for animals. Growing up in a home with several dogs, including a certified therapy dog, she often accompanied her mother to nursing homes and assisted living communities with their therapy dog, Zeus. Witnessing the joy pets brought to people, Amber knew her calling was to work with animals and support their owners.
Her introduction to dog training began when she adopted her first dog, Jameson. Despite his unknown past, she discovered he exhibited resource guarding behaviors toward toys, people, and even other dogs. Through dedicated study and training, she realized her passion for dog training—especially for those needing behavior modification.
Throughout her professional career, Amber has developed a deep love for dogs of all breeds, ages, sizes, and temperaments. She is an AKC Certified Evaluator for AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy and Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certifications and is certified in dog and cat CPR and First Aid. Always eager to learn, Amber continues to enhance her expertise by attending seminars and working groups led by leading figures in the dog training industry.
Dog TrainerWynn
With over 20 years of professional dog training experience, Wynn brings an unmatched depth of knowledge, passion, and dedication to our team. His career began in the world of working dogs, where he quickly rose through the ranks to become a lead instructor and head trainer within his agency. In this role, Wynn traveled extensively across the country, teaching and deploying with hundreds of handlers and their K9 partners. His expertise in advanced canine tactics and skills has made a lasting impact on agencies nationwide.
Despite his elite-level background, Wynn’s heart lies in working with dogs of all breeds, sizes, temperaments, and training needs. His deep understanding of canine behavior, paired with his calm, confident approach, helps build trust with every dog he works with – and confidence in every owner.
Wynn is also a lifelong student of the craft. He actively attends training seminars, working groups, and educational opportunities led by some of the most respected professionals in the industry. His commitment to staying at the forefront of dog training ensures he brings the most current, effective methods to every session.
Whether you're looking for foundational obedience, behavior modification, or advanced training, Wynn has the experience and passion to help your dog become the best version of themselves.
Success Stories“Trent is an incredible dog trainer! Our dog, Ace, was three years old and not obedient at all. Trent turned things around completely. He did an amazing job, and we couldn’t be more grateful. Highly recommend him—100%!”
-Eduardo
Why Choose Ridgeside K9 Charlottesville?Discover How We Can Help
Are you curious about how Ridgeside K9 Charlottesville can enhance your relationship with your dog? Our comprehensive range of training options offers everything from basic obedience to advanced behavioral modifications and specialty skill development. Each program is thoughtfully designed to align with the distinct needs of every canine and their owner.
Delve into our detailed service offerings to discover the ideal training path tailored to your aspirations. Our expert team is ready to support your journey, ensuring a rewarding and transformative experience for both you and your dog.