About Bob

Bob Ryder, PMCT-4, CPDT-KA

Bob is a Level 4 Pat Miller Certified Dog Trainer (PMCT-4), a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA), and a member of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG) and the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT). He is a graduate of the prestigious Peaceable Paws Canine Behavior & Training Intern Academy, receiving one of the most extensive, hands-on educations available to professional dog trainers. Since 2009 Bob has completed 6 one-week group internship classes and two private apprenticeship weeks involving over 360 hours of teaching and training at Peaceable Paws. Bob also has a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology, is Certified in Pet First Aid & CPR through Pet Tech, and is a member of the Shock Free Coalition.

Bob has been training dogs privately for over 30 years, and professionally since 2009. A passionate believer in humane, positive reinforcement dog training, he uses the principles of canine behavioral science to gently train dogs without intimidation, pain, fear, or force. This is his philosophy because because in addition to being humane, techniques relying on dominance and aversive punishment do not address the cause of the behavior, and often result in unintended behavioral side effects. (See link from American Veterinary Science of Animal Behavior.) The result is keenly attentive dogs who love to show off their great manners and are eager to learn more. 

Committed to furthering his education, Bob regularly takes courses to enhance his knowledge and training skills. By attending conferences, workshops, seminars and virtual learning opportunities he stays up to date on the latest scientific findings in canine behavior and the most effective humane training techniques. In addition to several internships with Pat Miller at Peaceable Paws mentioned above, he has learned from Jean Donaldson, Alexandra Horowitz, Kay Laurence, Patri­cia McConnell, Adam Miklosi, Ken Ramirez, Terry Ryan, Kathy Sdao, Michael Shikashio, Grisha Stewart, Sue Sternberg, Victoria Stillwell, Nicole Wild, and many others. He also completed Dr. Brian Hare’s “Dog Emotion and Cognition” online courses, as well as an eight week online “Living and Learning with Animals” course with Susan G. Friedman, Ph.D.

Bob and his wife Susan, who runs the administrative side of the business, live in Bloomington, IL, with their Labradaughter, Daisy.

Our Guarantee

While there is no sure way to guarantee the cooperation and performance of all parties involved and because the knowledge of animal behavior is incomplete, here is what I can promise:

• I will be honest and transparent with you about the likely outcomes and inform you during the first session if I do not believe I can help you.
• I will use training techniques based on the highest levels of current, scientifically-sound research, including positive reinforcement based training methods, and gentle counter conditioning
• I will use only methods that are gentle for your dog – force-free, fear-free, and pain-free. I will never ask you to do anything that might damage your relationship with your best friend.
• You will be fully supported and your questions will be answered.

In return, I ask that you be in active and committed to working with your dog, utilize all features and benefits (including online resources) made available to you, and follow the instructions I give you. This is necessary to get the highest level of results.

     

Please call (309) 451-8348 or email us for more information and/or to set up a consultation appointment.

Serving all families in the Bloomington/Normal area in Central Illinois – and around the world (virtually).