About Us

Ruff to Ready Dog Training

Founded by Amanda Lunsford

Multi-Certified Behavior Consultant and Dog Trainer

“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.“

Albert Einstein

About Amanda Lunsford

Who am I? Why am I here? All those deep questions and stuff!

Hello folks! So, you’ve stumbled upon my humble little corner of the internet. You’re probably wondering, “Who is this charismatic dog whisperer, and why should I listen to her?”

Allow me to quench your curiosity.

Born with a love for animals and a particular soft spot for rescue dogs, I spent my childhood surrounded by an array of adorable critters. Life led me down the road of sales and leadership, but it wasn’t my true calling. That became clear when in 2019, I temporarily lost my voice, and guess what? I bailed on the world of business sales and took a flying leap into the dog industry, turning my passion into my profession.

Over months of speech therapy, I opened Pawstive Canine Services and train dogs using hand signals. After sometime, my love for behavior and psychology took over, and I rebranded as Ruff to Ready, because my genuine passion lies with dogs who exhibit problematic behaviors. And let me tell you, I have never looked back. Since my time in foster care, dogs have helped to provide me a sense of connection. A second chance at life was given to me, and I am determined to give people and their dogs a second chance at a happier life together.

Amanda holding a dog's leash and standing in front of them with a smile on her face. Amanda is teaching a group class.

About all the Letters After My Name

In addition to my experience with dogs, I knew I needed to do justice to pups and their humans. Therefore, I have invested in every credential under the sun. And yes, I’ve got all the acronyms—CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, AKC Evaluator, AKC Star Puppy, AKC Urban, AKC Canine Good Citizen—you name it. Did I also mention I’m pursuing a college degree to become an Animal Behavior Analyst? Your dog isn’t the only one who enjoys learning new tricks.

  • CBCC-KA (CCPDT)
  • CPDT-KA (CCPDT)
  • AKC Evaluator
    • AKC Star Puppy
    • AKC Canine Good Citizen
    • AKC Urban
  • Taught a variety of classes
    • Reactive Dog Course (2022-2023)
    • Defensive handling and safety skills to volunteers for the Reactive Dog Course
    • Puppy and Manners (2021-2022)
    • Safety & Dog Body Language at Brewhound (9/2022)
    • Monthly webinars held for The London Sanctuary (2021)
  • Helped local rescues to keep dogs in their homes (2020-current)
  • The Forensics of Aggression: Working with and evaluating canine aggression by Jim Crosby (2022)
  • Aggression In Dogs Workshop & Defensive Handling Skills by Michael Shikashio, CDBC (2022)
  • Aggression in Dogs Conference (2021 & 2022)
  • Play Way! for Aggression Cases with Dr. Amy Cook (2022)
  • Aggression in Dogs Master Course by Michael Shikashio (2021)
  • Recognizing Pain in Dogs with Dr. Debbie Torraca (2021)
  • Dog to Cat Aggression with Katenna Jones (2020)
  • Beyond the Bite: Crucial Consulting Skills with Dr. Melanie Cerone (2021)
  • Using Enrichment to Treat Aggression with Emily Strong and Allie Bender (2021)
  • Navigating Difficult Conversations: When Euthanasia for Behavior is a Consideration with Dr. Chris Pachel (2021)
  • Our Dog Bit Our Toddler! HELP! with Jennifer Shryock: Part 1 & 2 (2021)
  • Aggression in Dogs Master Course by Michael Shikashio (2021)
  • Livestock Guardian Dogs- What you need to know for your aggression cases (2020)
  • Dog Emotion and Cognition (2020)
  • Pursuing college education to become an animal behavior analyst
  • Expert in dog behavior modification
    • Learned and taught 50+ unique skills and techniques
  • Knowledge of dog body language and proper play behaviors
  • Behavior reports written for veterinarians and veterinary behaviorist
  • Collaborate with clients and veterinarian/veterinary behaviorist to ensure success of the dog

About My Approach to Dog Behaviors’

Importantly, I don’t just train your dog—I delve into their psyche to understand why they do what they do. Instead of turning you into a dog expert, I focus on your top three stressors and work out simple, practical solutions. Who needs the added hassle of trying to understand their pet’s tantrums?

Amanda with brown hair in a pony tail is sitting on the cement floor in front of a bull terrier.
Amanda likes to help hyperactive dogs like, Owen.
Amanda walking a brown and white dog on the beach.
To feel safe in different environments is so important. Amanda is walking River on the beach. River has been reactive towards dogs and humans.
Amanda on a skateboard and her dog Applejack who is alight cream color medium sized dog running next to her
Another thing Amanda believes is you should enjoy doing activities with your dog. Here, Amanda is teaching Applejack to run beside her while she is on skateboarding

My Philosophy

Positive reinforcement is my jam. First, treats are great (I mean, who doesn’t love a good snack?), but it’s not all about food. For example, you wouldn’t bait a fish with chocolate-covered strawberries (though I love them). Every dog has their unique motivators. Whether it’s food, praise, affection, play, or access to good things, I’ll find what makes your pooch’s tail wag. The key thing is to teach them what’s okay and what’s not in a language that makes sense to them.

What I Stand For?

Without a doubt, I can summarize my values in three words: curiosity, compassion, and honesty. I don’t believe in wasting people’s time or in compromising my integrity. In this industry, having empathy is considered a crucial factor for achieving long-term success. That’s why if we’re not the right fit, I’ll help you find a behavior consultant who is.

A Glimpse into My Life

Finally, besides being a canine behavior consultant, I also love adventuring with my loved ones. One of my favorite things to do is explore different places with my dog, Applejack. Nothing beats seeing a dog experiencing pure joy and freedom. Fun fact: did you know Jacksonville, FL has the biggest urban park system in the United States? You can often find me exploring it with Applejack, my 12-year-old daughter, and my husband.

Another things to remember is: life’s essence is curiosity and gratitude. After all this time, I have learned home is where loved ones are. Explore the world’s beauty with loved ones. Life is short. May we always love our lives and live them to the max!

Let’s collaborate to make your dog happier, and your lives less stressful.

Learn more tips and tricks from Amanda’s blog [Click Here>]