👋 About the Trainer · DIY Dog Training

👋 About the Trainer

Hi, I’m Rudy Robles — most of you will see me here as Rudy, and sometimes referenced as @PetTrainerRudy. I usually introduce myself simply as a dog trainer, but professionally I sign as a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and Service Dog Coach.

My love for dogs started early — probably around age six. When I was ten, I found a dog training book at my local library and started training my own dogs just for fun. At the time, I never imagined this becoming a career. That changed in 2016, when a manager at a big-box store stopped me while I was training one of my dogs, Susie, and asked if I did this professionally. That moment helped shift everything.

Altogether, I’ve been training dogs for over 20 years, with about 10 years of professional experience.

Before dog training became my full-time path, I was studying nursing with the goal of becoming a Nurse Practitioner, and I completed an EMT certification. After juggling school, college sports, community theatre, work, and even breaking a leg (life has a sense of humor), dog training found me at exactly the right time.

🧠 Education, Credentials & Experience

CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed)
Certified Service Dog Coach
Member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)
Owner of a boarding, daycare, training, and grooming facility, where I work hands-on with dogs daily
Currently enrolled at Arizona State University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior
Ongoing continuing education in dog training, behavior, welfare, and nutrition
Committed to recertifying with organizations that take a clear ethical stance against aversive training methods

I don’t claim one narrow specialty because I work with a wide range of dogs and families every day. I feel confident supporting:

Puppies and foundations
Basic manners and life skills
Fear, anxiety, and behavior challenges
Aggression cases (with safety and ethics first)
Service dog teams
Rescue dogs adjusting to new homes

🐾 My Training Philosophy

My approach is science supported by love, kindness, patience, and understanding.

I do not support or use aversive tools or methods, including shock collars, fear-based techniques, or punishment-driven training. I also don’t align myself with trainers or philosophies built on force, dominance, or intimidation.

I believe most behavior struggles come down to communication gaps or misunderstandings — not “bad dogs” or “stubborn dogs.” Training, to me, is about helping dogs and humans understand each other better. The relationship always comes first, and training strengthens that relationship when done thoughtfully.

I define success as:

Trust and confidence between you and your dog
A dog who can make good choices with or without constant direction
A handler who understands their dog and feels empowered
A stronger bond on both ends of the leash

❤️ Why I Do This

My favorite part of this work is the “ah-ha” moment — when things suddenly click for both the dog and the human. Watching frustration turn into clarity, and confusion turn into connection, never gets old.

What breaks my heart is seeing families give up — not because they don’t care, but because they feel overwhelmed, discouraged, or unsupported. My goal is to help prevent that by giving people tools, clarity, and confidence.

A myth I love to gently debunk: you do not need punishment to train dogs effectively or quickly.

🌱 About This Community

This Skool exists to meet people and dogs where they are, without judgment, pressure, or quick-fix promises.

This space is not for shortcuts or miracle solutions. You will get out of this community what you put into it — and I’ll meet you with honesty, support, and guidance every step of the way.

I plan to be as active as possible here. Members often tell me they appreciate how thorough, supportive, and easy I am to talk to, and that’s exactly the tone I want this space to hold. I’m always happy to guide conversations here, and I also work 1:1 with members who want deeper, personalized support.

🐕 A Little More About Me

I share my life with six dogs and one cat, work closely with my local humane society, and I’m based in the eastern corner of Southern California, just steps from the California–Mexico border and Arizona.

💬 Start Here

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