Canine Connection LLC - Expert Professional Dog Training - Willard, MO
Expert professional dog training and behavior modification services using force-free best practices.
Canine Connection LLC was founded in the spring of 2009 in Dubuque, Iowa. Owner, Cindy Ludwig is a 2010 graduate, with distinction, of the world renowned Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training & Behavior 6-month-long professional dog trainer program. She is also a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers), master's prepared professional adult educator, and licensed registered nurse. Cindy has completed advanced training and graduate level university coursework in canine behavior and behavior modification. Cindy has been training dogs professionally since 2007. Prior to 2007, she was an amateur trainer and pet owner, and has been a long time volunteer at animal shelters since the early 1990's.
- Licensed
- Certified
- Online Sessions
How do you serve precious pets?
- Dog Trainer
- Puppy Trainer
- Dog Obedience Training
- Dog Trainer
What training tools do you use?
- Back-clip Harness
- Barriers
- Clicker
- Head Collar
- Leash
- Long Line
- Martingale Collar
- Praise/Affection
- Toys
- Treats
Which training type do you employ to encourage paw-sitive behaviors?
- Pet Behavior Modification
- Dog Obedience Training
- Service Dog Training
What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?
- Dogs
What licensing do you have?
- Business License
On a scale of snail to elephant, what size animals do you work with?
- 20-39 lbs
- 40-79 lbs
- 80+ lbs
- under 20 lbs
Pet Certifications
- American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Approved Evaluator (AKC CGC)
- American Red Cross Pet First Aid and CPR Certified
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
- Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP)
Proud member of...
- Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)
- Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)
Which part of the country do you serve pets?
All parts via virtual sessions, but physically located in the Heartland (Miissouri), specifically southwest Missouri (Springfield, MO area)
What year did you begin serving pets?
1992, volunteering in shelters; 2007, professional dog training
How did you hone your craft?
By attending and completing several different trainer programs, culminating in graduation from the esteemed Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training & Behavior 6-month-long professional dog trainer program; apprenticing under accomplished professional trainers; attending workshops and seminars; taking college courses in canine biology and behavior; reading, watching videos by experts; and practicing with self-critique.
What tip would you give pet parents for working with animals that you've learned as a pro?
Patience with yourself and with your animal is key. Progress is not a straight line up, there will be plateaus and set-backs. Practice is essential, but it isn't the number of repetitions that counts so much as it is the thought put into each session. Keep training sessions short, and always end each session with your dog (or other animal) being successful and wanting more!
What is one thing you want pet parents to know about you? It can be whatev-fur you'd like!
In addition to the credentials listed, I have a master's degree in adult education and my teaching career spans about 50 years. I am also a registered nurse, so have an indepth understanding of physiology and behavior. I have taken a course in applied behavior analysis and use that in my work with animals as well as people. My nursing experience and graduate coursework in physiological psychology allows me to understand the physiological basis of behavior problems and the role of medication in behavior modification. I work with general practice veterinarians and veterinary behaviorists, and believe in a team approach.
SERVICE AREA: Within 100 miles, including All parts via virtual sessions, but physically located in the Heartland (Miissouri), specifically southwest Missouri (Springfield, MO area)
Distinction
How do you serve precious pets?
- Dog Trainer
- Puppy Trainer
- Dog Obedience Training
- Dog Trainer
What training tools do you use?
- Back-clip Harness
- Barriers
- Clicker
- Head Collar
- Leash
- Long Line
- Martingale Collar
- Praise/Affection
- Toys
- Treats
Which training type do you employ to encourage paw-sitive behaviors?
- Pet Behavior Modification
- Dog Obedience Training
- Service Dog Training
What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?
- Dogs
What licensing do you have?
- Business License
On a scale of snail to elephant, what size animals do you work with?
- 20-39 lbs
- 40-79 lbs
- 80+ lbs
- under 20 lbs
Pet Certifications
- American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Approved Evaluator (AKC CGC)
- American Red Cross Pet First Aid and CPR Certified
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
- Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP)
Proud member of...
- Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)
- Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)
Which part of the country do you serve pets?
All parts via virtual sessions, but physically located in the Heartland (Miissouri), specifically southwest Missouri (Springfield, MO area)
What year did you begin serving pets?
1992, volunteering in shelters; 2007, professional dog training
How did you hone your craft?
By attending and completing several different trainer programs, culminating in graduation from the esteemed Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training & Behavior 6-month-long professional dog trainer program; apprenticing under accomplished professional trainers; attending workshops and seminars; taking college courses in canine biology and behavior; reading, watching videos by experts; and practicing with self-critique.
What tip would you give pet parents for working with animals that you've learned as a pro?
Patience with yourself and with your animal is key. Progress is not a straight line up, there will be plateaus and set-backs. Practice is essential, but it isn't the number of repetitions that counts so much as it is the thought put into each session. Keep training sessions short, and always end each session with your dog (or other animal) being successful and wanting more!
What is one thing you want pet parents to know about you? It can be whatev-fur you'd like!
In addition to the credentials listed, I have a master's degree in adult education and my teaching career spans about 50 years. I am also a registered nurse, so have an indepth understanding of physiology and behavior. I have taken a course in applied behavior analysis and use that in my work with animals as well as people. My nursing experience and graduate coursework in physiological psychology allows me to understand the physiological basis of behavior problems and the role of medication in behavior modification. I work with general practice veterinarians and veterinary behaviorists, and believe in a team approach.
🦔 About Cindy Ludwig — Certified Dog Trainer in Willard, Missouri
Cindy Ludwig is a certified dog trainer serving Willard, Greene County, and surrounding areas including Springfield, Nixa, Ozark, Republic, Bolivar, Marshfield, Aurora, Carthage, Monett, Lebanon, dedicated to helping dogs and their families build lasting, trusting relationships. Using positive, science-based methods tailored to each dog's age, temperament, and specific challenges, Cindy makes training effective, enjoyable, and built to last.
❤️ The best dog trainers don't just train dogs — they teach you how to communicate with yours. Cindy brings that philosophy to every session, working alongside you and your dog to build trust, consistency, and real, lasting results.
What Cindy Can Help With
Obedience & manners — reliable commands and respectful behavior at home and in public. Leash & walking confidence — ending pulling, lunging, and stress on walks. Behavior modification — addressing reactivity, anxiety, fear, and aggression. New dog foundations — building good habits and confidence from the start.
Why Book Cindy on PetWorks?
Verified, certified professional with credentials you can trust. Personalized one-on-one sessions — in-home, mobile, or on-site. Force-free, positive reinforcement methods that are humane and proven. A judgment-free approach focused on the wellbeing of both you and your dog. Backed by real reviews from pet parents across Greene County and Springfield, Nixa, Ozark, Republic, Bolivar, Marshfield, Aurora, Carthage, Monett, Lebanon.
How Booking Cindy on PetWorks Works
Booking Cindy is secure and straightforward.
Review Services: Browse Cindy's training packages and services listed on this page and choose the one that fits your dog's needs.
Click "Book Now" or "Request Quote": If you see a package that fits, you can book directly. If your situation is unique or you'd like to discuss your dog's specific challenges first, click "Request Quote" to start a conversation with Cindy.
Secure Payment: All payments are processed securely through PetWorks. We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Klarna. Your payment is held safely and only released once the booking is confirmed.
PetWorks Care Coverage: Every booking includes PetWorks Care Coverage, giving you peace of mind and access to our dedicated concierge team if you ever need support.
Connect & Schedule: Once your booking is initiated, you'll use the PetWorks Inbox to coordinate the best time and location for your session and share any details about your dog that will help Cindy prepare.
Ready to get started? Browse Cindy's verified reviews, compare credentials, and book confidently on PetWorks — serving Willard, MO and the surrounding Greene County area.
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