Jeff Riccio (Instrustor School Student) – Riptide K9, Plymouth, MA

I attended the “Police K9 Instructor” class at Tarheel Canine Training, Inc. in January of 2007. After I left college with my Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice, I was unsure of the direction that I wanted to take in my career. Working dogs were always something that interested me but I never thought I would ever have a chance to work with them outside of becoming a police officer myself. I found Northstate K9 Academy and Tarheel Canine on the internet and contacted Jerry with questions about the school, my questions were promptly answered and I enrolled in the program. While attending the school, my life changed. I fell in love with the training of dogs in all areas; protection work, detection work, man trailing, obedience, etc. I knew that it was exactly what I wanted to do with my life. Jerry Bradshaw and his staff made the whole experience incredible for me, someone who had never owned a dog before, plunging head first into the training of these amazing animals. The staff was knowledgeable, courteous and professional and made sure I got proper instruction and lots of hands on time in all areas of training.
While attending the school, I forged friendships that will remain forever in my life and I was even able to purchase my first dog, a female Belgian malinois, from Jerry while I was there. Upon graduation after 3 months, Jerry was instrumental in helping me obtain my first dog trainer job through an acquaintance of his who needed help, this helped start my dog training career. After a year of training under another well-known trainer, I was fortunate enough to have been offered an Instructor position at Tarheel Canine working for Jerry! I took the job with no hesitation and remained there for over 3 years and it was the best years of my life! I have since moved back to my home state to be closer to my family and start my own dog training business, Riptide K9. Without the knowledge I have gained as both a student and employee of Jerry Bradshaw (along with his staff) I would not be where I am today, I am still an active participant in many TK9 events and will continue to be involved as long as I can! Thanks again Jerry for providing guidance, being my mentor, changing my life and allowing me to live my dream, every single day.

Jeff Riccio

Certified Police K9 Instructor (NSK9 2007)
East Coast Director of Decoys (PSA)
Owner/Trainer at Riptide K9
Plymouth, MA