Ashley Orcutt
IAABC-ADT
Dogs & Kids, Service Dogs, General Training
My favorite part of working with animals is seeing their confidence grow and their eyes light up when they learn something new.
I wanted to work with animals for as long as I can remember. My parents were horse trainers and owned a farm where I grew up. They took me to SeaWorld when I was only five years old and I decided that I wanted to become a dolphin trainer.
I continued to pursue that dream and I earned my bachelor of science degree in Biology with a minor in Psychology from Delaware Valley University in 2011. I completed courses in animal behavior, animal training and enrichment, and advanced animal training. This is where I first learned how to apply positive reinforcement training techniques while working with rats and chickens. I loved this way of training so much! After graduating with my degree, I completed an internship at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, FL training manatees for research. I went on to work as an animal trainer at SeaWorld in Orlando, FL for nine years where I had the opportunity of training and caring for Orca Whales, Dolphins, Pilot Whales, and Macaws! It was an incredible experience.
When my husband and I had our first child, we wanted to move closer to the rest of our family so we relocated to Greenville, SC in 2020. I spent the first year teaching high school Biology, but I felt like my heart still belonged to animals. My dog training career began with PetSmart in 2021 and I quickly became an area trainer, where I gained more experience working with a wide variety of dogs and people. I have had the chance to help dogs with fear and reactivity gain confidence during private classes as well as teach basic manners, CGC test preparation, therapy dog training and more during group classes!
It has been incredible to see so many people form amazing relationships with their dogs. I can’t wait to meet you and your best friend and help you on your behavior and training journey!
Meet My Dogs
Gulliver:
Australian Shepherd
Gulliver is an 11 year old Australian Shepherd. He is so sweet and gentle. Gulliver is definitely not your typical Aussie. He would rather take a nap than run an agility course or herd livestock. He does have bursts of energy here and there but mostly wants to cuddle.
Hobbies: Hiking, trips to the dog beach, swimming, napping, and cuddling.
Opie:
Keeshond/German Shepherd mix
Opie is an 11 year old Keeshond/German shepherd mix. He loves attention from his humans but typically prefers his space around his Canine siblings although they do convince him to play on occasion.
Hobbies: Hiking, trips to the dog beach, swimming, napping, and cuddling.
Pippa:
Pit/Retriever mix
Pippa is a spunky 1 year old Pit/Retriever mix. She is a big goofball who loves to play with everyone and everything. She is so smart and picks up new behaviors quickly.
Hobbies: Hiking, digging, shredding, sniffing, splashing in water, and playing with her siblings (canine and human).
