Rip it Up! Dog Training

My name is Jennifer Tuck. I started my facination with training dogs when I took obedience and agility classes from Webapo Canine Center in Sandy Hook, Connecticut 9 years ago. In 2003, I also took obedience lessons at Positive Paws Training and Behavior Center, Bristol, CT. More recently, I attended an Agility seminar instructed by John MacKinley, and a 'Cues and Behavior chains explained' seminar by Kathy Sdao. I have read too many books and journals about clicker training, agility and obedience. If I were to name them all at this point, it would probably put you to sleep!

The Business

Rip it Up! was born 2 years ago after moving back to Skowhegan after 10 years of living/working/training in Connecticut.  I quickly learned that the sport is not known to very many people in this area. Since there weren't trainers in the area, I began training my own Miniature Australian Shepard, 'Ripley' at home by myself. With the help of Yahoo! Newsgroup's Agility-Equipment and Jim Hutchin's Book 'Do-it-yourself Agility Equipment', I built the necessary obstacles needed to set up a course in my yard. It wasn't long before neighbors and passerbys began asking what the obstacles were and if I was going to teach. I hadn't thought about it until then! Once I had enough people interested to start a class, I created my business and named it after the dog who started it all..... Ripley or "Rip" for short.

Who I Am

I am a member and currently the President of the Eastern Maine Agility Club. I am also a member of Canine Performance Events (CPE), The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), and Whole Dog Journal.