About Amanda Lunsford
Certified Canine Behavior Consultant
Compassionate, Practical Solutions for Dogs and Their Families
A Lifelong Passion for Dogs and Their People
Amanda Lunsford’s dedication to understanding dogs and their behavior goes back to her early years. Her fascination with animal behavior, coupled with her experience in leadership and sales, led her to realize her true calling: helping dogs and their families live in harmony. By founding Ruff to Ready Dog Training in 2019, Amanda has helped hundreds of dogs and their owners achieve peace and balance through compassionate, behavior-focused training.
“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.”
Albert Einstein
Specialized Knowledge to Address Complex Behavior Needs
Amanda specializes in working with dogs facing complex behavioral issues, such as aggression, anxiety, and fear. Her approach goes beyond obedience to focus on root causes, ensuring lasting change. This dedication stems from years of study and hands-on experience, during which she’s earned specialized certifications and collaborated with leading experts in canine behavior.
Education & Expertise: Making Real-World Impact
Amanda’s education is rooted in evidence-based practices that provide diverse options for clients. Her training with top behavior experts—Michael Shikashio, and Jim Crosby—means clients benefit from a range of techniques, all tailored to each dog’s specific needs. With a focus on science-backed, humane practices, Amanda is certified by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) and trained in Fear-Free and LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) methods, ensuring a safe, positive approach.
Certifications & Advanced Training Include:
- Certified Canine Behavior Consultant
- Courses and workshops on aggression, anxiety, and fear
- Advanced knowledge in enrichment, body language, and handling techniques
(See Full List of Certifications Below)
Programs Tailored to Each Dog’s Unique Needs
Amanda’s approach prioritizes understanding each dog’s individual personality and needs. Whether working on aggression, separation anxiety, or simply establishing good manners, Amanda develops personalized plans for each client. Her empathy and adaptability make each interaction with dogs and their owners a unique opportunity to foster stronger bonds and improve understanding.
“No two dogs are the same, and no two training plans should be either. My goal is to guide each family to a place of mutual trust and happiness with their dog.”
– Amanda Lunsford, CBCC-KA
Courses Developed & Taught by Amanda:
Amanda’s commitment to learning and sharing her expertise has led her to develop several courses on behavior and safety, such as:
- Defensive Handling & Dog Body Language – Brewhound, 2022
- Reactive Dog Group Course – 2022-2023
- Puppy & Manners Group Classes – 2020-2021
- Foster Dog Adjustment Webinar – The London Sanctuary, 2021
These programs highlight her dedication to accessible, real-world solutions for dog owners and professionals alike.
A Collaborative Approach with Each Family
Amanda values each client’s perspective and prioritizes open communication. Her collaborative style ensures owners feel empowered to maintain their dog’s progress at home, contributing to stronger, lasting results. Licensed, bonded, and insured, Amanda proudly serves the Jacksonville, FL community with an approach that blends science, empathy, and real-world application.
Certification & Professional Development
- Certified Canine Behavior Consultant- Knowledge Assessed by CCPDT (2021)
- 2024 Animal Behavior Conference by the IAABC Foundation
- The Forensics of Aggression: Working with and evaluating canine aggression by Jim Crosby (2022)
- Play Way! for Aggression Cases with Dr. Amy Cook (2022)
- Aggression In Dogs Workshop & Defensive Handling Skills by Michael Shikashio, CDBC (2022)
- Aggression in Dogs Conference (2021 & 2022)
- Aggressive Dogs Master Course (2021)
- AKC Evaluator for S.T.A.R. Puppy & Canine Good Citizen (2021)
- Using Enrichment to Treat Aggression with Emily Strong and Allie Bender (2021)
- Fear Free Certified Dog Trainer (2021)
- Recognizing Pain in Dogs with Dr. Debbie Torraca (2021)
- Navigating Difficult Conversations: When Euthanasia for Behavior is a Consideration with Dr. Chris Pachel (2021)
- Beyond the Bite: Crucial Consulting Skills with Dr. Melanie Cerone (2021)
- Our Dog Bit Our Toddler! HELP! with Jennifer Shryock: Part 1 & 2 (2021)
- Livestock Guardian Dogs- What you need to know for your aggression cases (2020)
- Dog Emotion and Cognition by Duke University (2020)
- Dog to Cat Aggression with Katenna Jones (2020)
- Brewhound Defensive Handling & Dog Body Language (2022)
- Defensive Handling and Safety Protocols for The Reactive Dog Course (2022-2023)
- Group Reactive Dog Course (2022-2023)
- Group Puppy Classes (2021-2022)
- Group Manners Class (2021-2022)
- Foster Dog Adjusted Webinar for The London Sanctuary (2021)