About Us

Elite Pup Training grew organically. Growing up with dogs and feeling a very unique bond with them, Ricky knew his calling.  He started young.  First with walking dogs in the neighborhood and then training his family dogs all before the age of 10!  Fast forwarding to his early 20’s, Ricky trained with a handful of the best trainers in the country and spent countless hours researching the most effective behavior modification techniques.  With 15+ years now under his belt, Ricky shares his knowledge with the EPT Team and the many clients that come to us for help.  When he’s not training dogs, you can find Ricky with his beautiful family spending time doing fun things in Santa Barbara.

Vanessa started her career as an office manager more than a decade ago.  She has years of experience in every aspect of running a business and took that expertise to EPT over 6 years ago.  It was with Vanessa’s knowledge and work ethic that made moving to the current facility at the ranch possible.  An avid hiker, Vanessa finds time to get out on the trails in the mountains or on the coastline enjoying her beautiful family and the place she gets to call home.  

Lorrie has been with EPT for 3 years.  She brought with her 25+ years of marketing, sales, customer relations and business development experience.  Lorrie has worked with small start-ups to large corporations with an affinity for small businesses helping them accelerate their business growth.  Lorrie has had dogs all of her life and currently has 2 rescue dogs that go most places with her. When she’s not working, Lorrie is spending time with her family and dogs enjoying Santa Barbara and the California coast.   

Erin began her journey at EPT in August of 2021. Erin grew up with dogs and has been in the pet industry for over 6 years.  She has always had a passion for working with animals and now is able to express that through training.  Erin is currently enrolled in school studying animal sciences and behavior and is excited to apply her knowledge to her work.  In her free time, Erin loves to hike, see live music, cook and, of course, be around dogs.  

Gabbi started her journey in January of 2022.  She's not shy about working with even the most difficult dogs and is always eager to learn.  Gabbi understands the benefit of training and looks forward to making a difference in not only the dog's life but their family's lives as well.  Gabbi is a recent UCSB graduate with a degree in Psychology.  On her off days, she enjoys most outdoor activities, like hiking, swimming and paddling,  If you don't see her in SB, she's camping somewhere amazing on the West Coast. 

Jaymee started working at EPT in August of 2021 and has been working with dogs professionally for over 6 years.  She  grew up with dogs and has always loved animals since she can remember. Jaymee is entering her senior year at UCSB as a Sociology major.  When she’s not studying or at the ranch, Jaymee is designing new clothing creations, at the gym or reading somewhere with a view. 

Kayleigh started working at EPT in July of 2022.  She’s enjoyed learning more about canine behavior and the work that goes into caring for dogs.  Kayleigh grew up riding horses and looking after many types of animals. She’s had at least one dog in the family since she was young.  Going to work every day is easy. It’s the unconditional love and playfulness that gets her to smile all day every day.  When she’s not at work, Kayleigh is raising her pre-teen son and enjoys spending time with friends and loved ones.  She also enjoys reading, painting and is an avid video game lover.