OUR STORY.
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Ruff Translating was originally founded in 2015 by Ejay on his 50 acre working livestock farm as a low stress boarding option as well as in-home private training.
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EJAY EISEN Founder, Director
Ejay Eisen is a seasoned dog professional with 20 years experience in the field. He’s worked at kennels, training facilities, rescue organizations, dog walking companies, doggie daycares, and a pet hospice provider. He has also trained service dogs for military veterans as well as owned and operated a high-end dog boarding and training facility in New York State.
Throughout his career, Ejay has focused on rehabilitation with dogs dealing with often severe behavioral issues, including aggression and anxiety. He is recognized as an exceptional dog trainer by both his clients and colleagues. In fact, he has clients who have continued working with him as their primary trainer using telecommunications, as Ejay’s career led him to explore opportunities in three different states across the country.
Ejay’s innovative approach to training focuses on the relationship between an owner and their dog. However, where Ejay differs is his focus on both dog cognition centered approach, and his dedication to training each dog as an individual within their unique environment- your home/lifestyle/family! There is no one-size all program at RT, everything is individualized to both the dog, and the person at the end of the leash.
As of 2021, Ejay has passed the torch of the behavior modification program to Cara, and is focusing on RT's quickly growing service dog program. As a queer disabled service dog handler himself, Ejay is now focusing on training the highest performing service dogs possible, specifically for psychiatric needs.
Throughout his career, Ejay has focused on rehabilitation with dogs dealing with often severe behavioral issues, including aggression and anxiety. He is recognized as an exceptional dog trainer by both his clients and colleagues. In fact, he has clients who have continued working with him as their primary trainer using telecommunications, as Ejay’s career led him to explore opportunities in three different states across the country.
Ejay’s innovative approach to training focuses on the relationship between an owner and their dog. However, where Ejay differs is his focus on both dog cognition centered approach, and his dedication to training each dog as an individual within their unique environment- your home/lifestyle/family! There is no one-size all program at RT, everything is individualized to both the dog, and the person at the end of the leash.
As of 2021, Ejay has passed the torch of the behavior modification program to Cara, and is focusing on RT's quickly growing service dog program. As a queer disabled service dog handler himself, Ejay is now focusing on training the highest performing service dogs possible, specifically for psychiatric needs.
CARA WEHMHOEFER
Behavior Modification Program Leader
Cara Wehmhoefer is Ruff Translating’s Lead Trainer, with a focus in our behavior modification program. Cara’s training style focuses on game based learning, with an emphasis on confidence building and compassionate boundaries for all dogs and handlers. Cara is exceptionally well versed in the challenging technicalities of dog training. Since graduating from her apprenticeship with Ejay, Cara has worked tirelessly to collaboratively develop the intensive Muttessori Academy program, and has taken on the primary leadership role in our locally renowned rehabilitation program for all behavior issues in 2021.
SAM MARTINEZ Lead Trainer, Social Media Coordinator
Sam Martinez graduated from her apprenticeship program with Ejay in 2020 and is the steadfast voice of empathy on the Ruff Translating Team. Sam’s training style is firm but with the longest amount of patience of the training team for impulse control exercises. Clients know Sam from her role as our Social Media Coordinator, her wit and clear communication style shine through whether she is writing a funny photo caption or explaining a training method. Sam is well loved by her clients for her thorough support of training goals and her ability to provide clear guidance on how to reach them.
GEORGE WELCH
Muttessori Adventure Leader, Dog Bather
George Welch is a seasoned dog handler of 2 years of experience, currently attending school in his off hours to become a veterinary technician. His long term goals are to develop a physical therapy, sports style program to keep dogs in their best physical shape, and he is well on his way to reaching it! George leads the group walk program during Muttessori Academy, and helps all of our pups looking and smelling their best through our gentle bathing service.
MARIELLE LAJOIE Adventure Leader, Academy Assistant
Marielle Lajoie is a long time animal enthusiast who got her start in working animals through horse care and riding. She has a strong foundation in larger group management from working in dog daycare. Marielle also has a wonderful rescue in training named Benny. Marielle is known for her sunny disposition, her amazing photography work out on Adventure Club. Dogs are drawn to Marielle’s kindness though they also thrive on her ability to keep structure and rules on all of her services.
CAROLINA LESLIE Adventure Leader, Academy Assistant
Carolina Leslie joined the RT team after several years working as a dog handler in a daycare and hike setting. Carolina is a compassionate handler, with an ability to work with all temperaments of dogs in our care. Carolina’s quiet confidence means that wherever she goes, the dogs are absolutely down to follow and go for a fun adventure!