Professional dog trainer, Bloomington and Normal IL

Bob Ryder, CSAT, PMCT-4, CPDT-KA

Bob’s Credentials at a glance:

Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT)
Level 4 Pat Miller Certified Dog Trainer (PMCT-4)
Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)
Professional Member – Pet Professional Guild (PPG)
Member of the Shock Free Coalition
Bachelors of Science, Psychology, Juniata College

Bob has been training dogs privately for over 30 years, and professionally since 2009. A passionate believer in the science of 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 6 one-week group internship classes and two private apprenticeship weeks (involving over 360 hours of teaching and training) with Pat Miller at Peaceable Paws, Bob completed a 14-week Separation Anxiety course with Malena DeMartini, to become a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer.

Bob has also taken courses 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 Promise

Because the knowledge of animal behavior is incomplete, I cannot guarantee a behavior outcome. There are many variables involved in animal behavior including genetics, the overall health of the animal, and the client’s commitment to the training plan. That said, I can increase the probability of the desired outcome if you are willing to work with me on the training.

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/desensitization.
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 pro-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 in order to get the highest level of results.

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