Founder, Author, & PETPro Mentor
cdbc, cpdt-ka, sba
Professional Development Services: PETPro Mentor
CHECK OUT HER BOOK HERE: CANINE ENRICHMENT FOR THE REAL WORLD
Allie Bender (she/her/hers) is the co-owner and founder of Pet Harmony, LLC and the co-author of Canine Enrichment for the Real World. She believes in working with animals by addressing underlying causes behind undesirable behaviors. She also believes in working with people to find the best solutions for your situation and household.
Allie has been working with rescue groups and shelters since 2006 in various capacities, including founding a student-run organization called Students Helping Rescue Animals, to aid local shelters with fundraising, supplying volunteers and providing education to the public about animal shelter issues.
She graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Iowa State University. During her education, she spearheaded a research study exploring the effects of enrichment on stereotypical behavior in shelter dogs—which is exactly what fueled her passion for using enrichment in her training plans today! After graduation, Allie was employed with local animal welfare organizations including a humane society and low-cost spay/neuter clinic. Through every stage of her life, her love for animals never wavered and is what drives her to give her best to her clients and mentees, every single day.
Allie has been training animals professionally since 2012. In 2014 she moved to Utah to work as a dog trainer at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. In 2015 she was promoted to Lead Dog Behavior Consultant. During her time at Best Friends, Allie was fortunate to be invited to speak multiple times at the Best Friends National Conference, make TV and commercial appearances, and provide nationwide behavior and training workshops with esteemed colleagues.
In 2016, Allie made the difficult decision to leave Best Friends and return to Illinois to be closer to family and to start her new business, Pet Harmony. She is a certified dog behavior consultant (CDBC) through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, certified professional dog trainer–knowledge assessed (CPDT-KA), a shelter behavior affiliate (SBA) through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, and an Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) Canine Life and Social Skills (C.L.A.S.S.) evaluator, and is certified by TAGteach at the primary level.
Kind Words From Happy Clients
“I have had the pleasure of frequently teaming with Allie Bender. Allie assists many of my veterinary clients to implement the behavior modification plans I have recommended for their pets. These patients include many with very serious diagnoses involving anxiety, fear, and aggression. Allie has an excellent teaching style and develops great rapport with my clients. She provides email support beyond her sessions that is invaluable. Her education, knowledge, and experience in animal behavior, learning theory, and behavior modification techniques are extensive and impressive. Allie has helped me achieve many successful outcomes and my clients could not be happier! It is a pleasure to have such a wonderful colleague. Our relationship sets an excellent example of the value of collaboration between veterinarians and professional behavioral trainers, that brings even greater benefit to our mutual clients.”
-Dr. Fiia Jokela, DVM, DABVP (canine/feline), Owner and Veterinary Behavior Resident: Chicagoland Veterinary Behavior Consultants
“Allie is an incredibly ethical, upbeat, and skilled trainer to work with. She has helped me work with every behavior problem in the book, including many tough aggression and compulsion-behavior cases. Allie was always a joy to work with. Plus she gets results using only the most ethical, evidence based methods available. I can’t recommend Allie enough!”
– Haylee Heisel
“Allie has been a wonderful resource for me and my dogs. She has consistently provided me with creative solutions to my dogs behavior issues, with easy to follow training plans. She makes sure I understand the science behind the training we’re doing, and that we’re using the kindest methods possible. I always feel great about the training, and I see amazing results!”
– Becca Fay Jeffries