ABOUT US
At The Ruff Ranch, we believe every dog deserves to live a confident, well-balanced, and joyful life. But let’s face it—being a dog (and a dog owner) isn’t always easy! From chewing on your favorite shoes to pulling on the leash, dogs often communicate their challenges in ways we might not understand. That’s where The Ruff Ranch steps in—to bridge the gap between you and your furry best friend while transforming behavior challenges into opportunities for growth. At The Ruff Ranch, we’re on a mission to transform lives—one wagging tail and one happy owner at a time.
This isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are.
It’s the heart of everything we do, every single day.
We know dogs are more than pets—they’re family. A confident, well-trained dog brings joy, balance, and harmony to their home. We believe every dog deserves to live their best life, and every owner deserves the tools to make it happen.
WHY CHOOSE THE RUFF RANCH?
At The Ruff Ranch, we don’t do cookie-cutter training. Every dog is unique, and so is our approach. Here’s why we stand out:
Justin’s Expertise: With over a decade of experience, Justin brings proven methods, innovative techniques, and a heart full of passion for every dog he works with.
Real-Life Training: Life isn’t lived in a training session—it’s lived in parks, neighborhoods, and homes. Our methods prepare dogs to thrive in real-world situations.
Socialization at the Core: Confidence comes from exposure and experience. We integrate socialization into every step of the process, helping dogs feel at ease wherever they go.
All-in-One Care: From training to boarding, grooming, and more, The Ruff Ranch offers a comprehensive experience designed to meet all your dog’s needs.
A Place You Can Trust: Fully bonded, insured, and operating under a Santa Barbara County kennel permit, we deliver peace of mind along with results.
YOUR DOG’S JOURNEY STARTS HERE
Dogs are more than pets—they’re partners, family, and best friends. At The Ruff Ranch, we believe in creating a better life for them and for you. Whether your dog needs training, confidence, or just a safe space to be their best self, we’re here to help.
Join The Ruff Ranch family and discover the difference that expert care, socialization, and heartfelt dedication can make.
MEET JUSTIN DAVANZO
Justin Davanzo isn’t just a dog trainer—he’s a storyteller, a behavior expert, and a passionate dog advocate. His journey began over a decade ago when he turned his love for dogs into a thriving career as the lead trainer and owner of a successful dog training business. But Justin wanted to create something bigger. He envisioned a space where training didn’t just happen in sessions, but became a way of life for both dogs and their owners.
That vision came to life in January 2020 with The Ruff Ranch.
“Every dog has a story, and every challenge is an opportunity. At The Ruff Ranch, we don’t just train dogs—we build confidence, connection, and a foundation for a happier life together.” - Justin Davanzo, Founder and Owner
Justin’s "Train as You Live" philosophy focuses on real-world solutions that seamlessly fit into your everyday life. His hands-on approach, combined with his deep understanding of canine behavior, has transformed countless dogs—and their humans—into confident, well-balanced teams.
A UNIQUE PHILOSOPHY
Justin’s “Train as You Live” philosophy sets him apart in the industry. This approach emphasizes integrating training into daily life, ensuring that lessons learned at The Ruff Ranch seamlessly transition into the home environment. By focusing on socialization and real-world scenarios, he helps dogs become adaptable, confident, and well-behaved companions.
A PASSION FOR CANINE BEHAVIOR
Running a dog facility means understanding the nuances of canine behavior. Justin’s extensive experience has taught him that:
Dogs need structure and routine to feel secure.
Socialization is essential for developing confidence and reducing behavioral issues.
Training is not just for dogs but also for their owners—empowering people to communicate effectively with their pets is key to lasting success.
CORE VALUES
HOW WE BRING IT TO LIFE
Care That Goes Beyond: We treat every dog like they’re one of our own, creating an environment where they feel safe, loved, and excited to learn.
Training That Sticks: Our programs aren’t about quick fixes—they’re about real, lasting transformation. With a focus on socialization and real-world application, we prepare dogs and their humans for a lifetime of success.
Empowering Owners: Training isn’t just for the dog—it’s for you, too. We work with owners to build confidence, communication, and an unbreakable bond.
OUR TEAM
JUSTIN DAVANZO
Owner & Head Trainer
Justin Davanzo is the founder, owner, and heart behind The Ruff Ranch, a haven for dogs and their owners seeking expert guidance, compassionate care, and lasting results. With over a decade of experience in dog training and facility management, Justin has dedicated his life to building a space where dogs can thrive and owners can feel confident in their companionship.
For Justin, running a dog training and boarding facility is more than a profession—it’s a mission. He understands that dogs are not just pets; they’re family members. His work goes beyond teaching commands like “sit” and “stay.” It’s about creating balanced, happy dogs who can navigate life confidently, no matter the situation.
As the owner of The Ruff Ranch, Justin’s role encompasses much more than training. He oversees every detail of the facility, ensuring it operates at the highest standard of care. From crafting innovative training programs to maintaining a safe and enriching environment for boarding and daycare clients, Justin ensures every dog receives personalized attention and support.
STACEY GOURSON
Client Services, Operations & Administration
After having my Aussie puppy trained by Justin, I was so impressed by what The Ruff Ranch had to offer I wanted to be a part of it. Providing a safe, healthy, and fun environment for dogs to stay and play is not a job, it's a privilege and one I'm grateful to have. I love spending my free time with my husband and our two dogs and two horses.
ANTHONY ABAD
Operations Supervisor
I'm a Central Coast native with a plethora of interests and have always had an affinity for dogs, so, working at The Ranch was an obvious choice for me.
JULIE HAYEK
Administrative Support
I am Julie and I live in the Santa Ynez Valley with my husband, daughter, and our three-year old chocolate lab Bear. We started bringing our puppy to Justin for training in 2021 and The Ruff Ranch has been Bear’s second home! I have been in the hospitality/wine industry for 28 years and have been enjoying assisting the team with administrative projects.
MICHAEL LIBERA
Canine Conceirge
After living with dogs ever since I was born, I moved away to school and worked as a dog sitter and dog walker, which was great. After moving back to the Santa Barbara area, I knew I wanted to continue working with dogs. I found exactly what I was looking for at The Ruff Ranch.
DAVID PINA
Facilities & Kennel Staff
David is a Santa Ynez resident and hard working member of the team. After graduating from high school, he came to work at Ruff Ranch full time. When not working with his canine pals at the Ranch, he can be found enjoying his newest hobby—fishing. David’s motto: “I love working with the dogs!”
CARSON GREEN
Kennel Staff
My name is Carson Green and I am a student at UCSB. I spend my free time working on school, loving on my pets, and enjoying time with my family.
Working at The Ruff Ranch has provided me with the best knowledge of dogs and I'm so excited to be a part of this community!
TESSA BACKES
Kennel Staff
There is something about being around dogs. No matter how bad your day could be, they just always make it better! I always have loved animals, but my true love for dogs happened after working at The Ruff Ranch.
MONIQUE VASQUEZ
Kennel Staff
My name is Monique Vasquez, and after living in the Santa Ynez Valley my whole life I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. I am currently attending Santa Ynez High School and I love to read and listen to music. My love for animals started when I was young; I grew up with different animals and loved learning about how they each had their own personality. Working at The Ruff Ranch has helped me become so much closer to dogs, and my love for them has grown so much more because of this experience. I wouldn’t change it for the world.
SARAH WESTWOOD
Kennel Staff
My name is Sarah and I currently live in Buellton. My life has always been better when surrounded by animals. Taking care of dogs has been and will always be my passion in life. When in my care, I will treat your fur baby like they are my own, small, large, or in between!
KAYLEE KORST
Kennel Staff
Kaylee is our newest addition to our Ruff Ranch family and she has quickly become an amazing team member! Kaylee recently relocated to the Santa Ynez Valley and is loving this community. Before The Ruff Ranch, Kaylee served in the US Military for five years and we thank her for her service. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her child, going to the beach, and hiking.
KARLEE DONTANVILLE
Canine Chauffeur
Karlee has been a part of The Ruff Ranch family for about six months and we couldn't have asked for a better team member! Karlee has been working with dogs for the last ten years and loves all of our furry friends here at The Ranch. Karlee, a Santa Barbara resident, enjoys going to the beach and hiking with friends in her spare time.
OTTO
Chief Shenanigan Officer
Otto brings happiness and lots of ridiculous, noisy shenanigans to the office to remind everyone that it is important to take a break and PLAY. When he is not lounging about and eating treats, he is working hard to bring a smile to the team up in the office.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
The Ruff Ranch is always on the lookout for upbeat, enthusiastic, dog-loving team members. Fill out our job application right here. We look forward to getting to know you!