Because Education Beats Frustration
812-822-1483
Meet The Team
Jillian Rich
(she/her)
owner & head trainer
Hi! My name is Jillian Rich. I am a dog trainer with a passion for animals and improving the relationship between owners and their beloved pets. I moved to Bloomington, Indiana in 2018 and started Mannered Mutts July 15th, 2018. I live here with my partner Kendall, daughter Lorelai, and dog Dixie. Dixie is famous around here. You will notice her face is all over our website, building and shirts.
She is our special mascot. I studied dog training at the Tom Rose School and graduated at the top of my class. I did my undergraduate studies at the University of Tampa. I am experienced in basic, advanced, and competition level obedience, tracking, tricks, scent work, agility, and behavior modification training for anxious, reactive, and aggressive dogs.
Trainers
Tessa T.
(she/her)
Hi, my name is Tessa! I’ve been working with dogs since 2021 and quickly realized this is exactly where I’m meant to be. I attended Starmark Academy in Texas, where I completed the Canine Behavior and Training Program. That experience gave me a strong foundation in understanding not just how to train dogs, but how to truly read them, communicate with them, and build trust in a way that sets both the dog and their owner up for success.
At home, I have an Australian Shepherd named Pepper who keeps me on my toes and reminds me why I love what I do. She’s always eager to learn, whether it’s tricks, dock diving, hiking, or exploring new dog sports. Working with her has shown me how much dogs thrive with the right mix of structure and fun, which is why I love training. Watching dogs grow more confident, more relaxed, and more connected with their people is incredibly rewarding, and getting those sweet, cuddly moments along the way is a pretty great bonus too.
Brittany J.
(she/her)
.png)
Hello, my name is Brittany! I’ve been training dogs professionally since 2014 and joined the team at Mannered Mutts in 2026. Dogs are not just my career, they’re my lifestyle. Along with working with pet dogs and their families, I’m also a professional dog performer. I travel with my own team of trained dogs, showcasing advanced obedience, tricks, and off leash reliability in live shows.
Living and working with multiple high level dogs every day has shaped my training philosophy around clarity, consistency, structure, and accountability. I believe dogs thrive when they clearly understand what’s expected of them. My goal isn’t just to teach commands, but to build confident, well mannered dogs that owners can truly enjoy at home and out in the world. Whether I’m working with a brand new puppy or a dog that needs clearer boundaries, I focus on practical skills that actually hold up in real life. For me, training is about building a relationship rooted in trust and leadership, and helping owners feel proud of the dog walking beside them.
Addison V.
(they/them)
Hello, my name is Addison! I’m a dog trainer with a passion for helping people and their dogs build clear communication, trust, and a relationship that works in everyday life. As a blind trainer, I bring both professional knowledge and lived experience into my work, with a focus on making training practical, accessible, and supportive for each individual team.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Behavior from Indiana University, which gives me a strong foundation in understanding how dogs learn and interact with the world around them. I have experience working with a wide range of training goals, from basic manners and obedience to more advanced skills. I have also trained my own guide dog, and my background includes service dog work such as mobility support, retrievals, psychiatric response, and public access training. This experience has given me a strong understanding of how to build reliable behavior in real-world environments. I believe training should be adaptable to both the dog and the person, and I strive to create an inclusive, welcoming environment for all clients and their dogs, regardless of background, experience level, or training goals. My goal is to help you and your dog build strong training skills and a clear and lasting understanding of one another.
Web management and content creation
Samantha L.
(she/her)
Hi! My name is Samantha. I am a dog trainer and media manager here at Mannered Mutts. I work hands on with dogs in our training programs, helping to build skills and good behavior that sets them up for success. I’m also responsible for managing our social media, photography, and brand content. Sharing what happens behind the scenes and highlight the progress our dogs make every day!
I’m currently studying Digital Media and Storytelling at Indiana University Indianapolis, and over the past four years I’ve trained alongside experienced professionals, continuing to grow my knowledge and hands on skills in dog training. My goal is to make training feel transparent, grounded, and accessible to the people who trust us with their dogs.
Erin M.
(she/her)
Hello, my name is Erin! I’m a third generation breeder, master groomer, and retired professional handler. Over the course of my career, I’ve finished hundreds of champions and earned over 50 Best in Show wins, including five Group placements at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. I’m especially known for working with strong minded, temperament driven breeds like Alaskan Malamutes, American Staffordshire Terriers, Portuguese Water Dogs, and English Toy Spaniels.
These are the kinds of dogs where success comes down to timing, feel, and the ability to read and manage each individual dog. As an American Kennel Club Breeder of Merit, my program is built around the idea that form should follow function, with a strong focus on structure, movement, and temperament. I stay hands on through every stage, from whelping all the way through competition. Beyond the ring, I’ve also worked in the grooming industry helping lead credentialing programs and develop standards that support real workforce growth.
Kennel assistants
Ava C.
(she/her)
Hi my name is Ava! I've been with Mannered Mutts for about 2 years now as a kennel assistant going on assistant trainer and absolutely love my job! I enjoy going on hikes and adventures with my lovely dog Tucker and getting to enjoy all of the dogs that come to us at Mannered Mutts! Tucker is my Mini Australian Shepherd and we mostly hike, do scent work things to keep his mind occupied, and in general just enjoy life to the fullest!
Sophia C.
(she/her)
Hi, my name is Sophie! I’m a Kennel Assistant at Mannered Mutts and currently studying online to become a Veterinary Assistant. I’ve lived in Bloomington my whole life and have been working with dogs full time since I was 16. I have two dogs and three cats of my own, so caring for animals is a big part of my everyday life. I love getting to know each dog’s unique personality and making sure they feel safe, happy, and well cared for. My goal is always to go above and beyond so both you and your dog feel comfortable, and I can’t wait to meet you and your furry friend!