From Police Work to Entrepreneurship: Aaron Taylor’s Journey with Ridgeside K9

In this episode of Police K9 Radio, we sit down with Aaron Taylor, a nationally recognized leader in the dog training world and the founder of Ridgeside K9 LLC. Aaron is a prior Infantry Marine Sergeant with a 100% combat-disabled rating. Leveraging the Yellow Ribbon Program, he attended The George Washington University, earning degrees in both the Science of Policing and Psychology.

Following his military service, Aaron spent 16 years with the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, retiring in 2018 while assigned full-time to K9 on a full-time SWAT team. Over the course of his career, he served 14 years in special operations and investigations, including time in Narcotics, SWAT, and K9. Aaron is also recognized as a certified expert in the 4th district, having testified in both state and federal court. He has been featured on national platforms such as The Dr. Phil Show and on numerous podcasts, where he encourages, mentors, and helps finance law enforcement and military veterans as they transition into entrepreneurship. After stepping away from policing due to growing conflict with administration and declining community support, Aaron leaned into his lifelong passion for dog training.

What began as a small venture quickly grew into Ridgeside K9 LLC—now one of the nation’s most recognized and fastest-growing dog training companies. In this episode, Aaron opens up about the emotional and practical challenges of leaving law enforcement, building a business from scratch, and what it takes to create a mission-driven company. He emphasizes the importance of mastering your role in law enforcement while also developing skills outside the badge—so you're ready for the next chapter when it comes. We also talk about Aaron’s mission to employ and empower former military and police professionals, giving them not only jobs, but purpose and opportunity. His journey is a blueprint for others in the K9 and law enforcement communities who are ready to build something of their own. 

Topics Covered: Why Aaron left law enforcement after 16 years Founding Ridgeside K9 and scaling a dog training business Navigating burnout and lack of administrative support Creating a mission-driven company that supports police and veterans Advice for officers: build skills beyond the badge

Follow Aaron Taylor & Ridgeside K9: Instagram: @ridgesidek9_llc

Thank you to our sponsors:

Ray Allen Mfg. - Rayallen.com

Inukshuk Performance Dog food - INUKSHUKPRO.com

Black Jacks Leather - BlackJacksleather.com

Sauna Box - Saunabox/k9.com Key word "K9" for discount

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