Chad Byerly

Biography

Chad specializes in reward-based training methods for dogs in protection and obedience sports – an approach still considered unconventional in bitework venues. More than twenty years ago, he was part of the training team developing and applying reward-specific markers while working toward bitework training without aversive tools or methods. The discipline required by reward-based work in high-drive sports continues to reveal approaches that simply don’t surface when other tools are available. Chad ran clickerbitework.com until 2009, connecting and supporting early adopters of reward-based bitework

Chad has trained as a decoy for over two decades, including serving nine years as a Mondioring trial decoy. His work emphasizes safe, clear and effective decoy skills that support both dog and handler development.

In 2018, Chad earned 3rd place in MR2 at the USMRA Mondioring National Championship with Sagan von Schadt. Sagan later become the first North American dog to achieve MR3 trained entirely with reward-based methods. Since then, Chad has helped train multiple dogs to advanced levels in Mondioring competition.

Chad is a professional pet dog trainer specializing in puppies and reactive dogs. He also coaches obedience, play skills, and decoy/helper work. He is currently training his sport prospect Doozy (C’Doo-Wop DSWK du Fraddicalu). Doozy’s training foundations are shared through CynoFile.

Seminars

Control & Intensity

Balancing control with intense drive is one of the central challenges in bite sports and other high-energy activities. Thoughtfully built and well-maintained reward-based exercises can provide both, improving clarity and control while increasing a dog’s intensity. This approach allows dogs to fully engage in their work while remaining responsive and connected to the handler.

Through years of working with a wide variety of dogs and handlers, Chad has developed a cohesive and adaptable approach. At the same time, he recognizes that every team arrives with its own history, goals, and foundation. Rather than requiring a complete overhaul, he meets teams where they are, offering tools and perspectives that integrate into each handler’s existing system.

This seminar is appropriate for teams at all stages, from those just beginning their training journey to experienced competitors looking to problem-solve and refine their work through reward-based methods. It will be especially valuable for handlers interested in, or actively pursuing, bite sports using exclusively reward-based training.

Arrangements

Interested in hosting Chad at your training group or facility?

Contact him at train@cynocentric.com for more information.