About the Dean

My name is Dr. Jack Bowker, and I am the Dean of RUFF University! 

I am a proud father of two beautiful and amazing teenage sons, Aedan and Jack Jr., and I am also the proud fiance and best friend to my lovely lady, Nicole (who is a nurse). We currently reside in Audubon, NJ, with our superstar GSD/Mastiff mix, “Chooch.”

I have a Master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Rowan University, and I am a Certified Dog Trainer (CCDT). I am a retired Detective with 22 years of service, and I am still an active and honored member of the New Jersey Army National Guard. I have 26 1/2 years of service with the Army in total, and I am currently the rank of Command Sergeant Major (CSM). These experiences have instilled in me a strong sense of discipline, leadership, and resilience. They have also provided me with the opportunity to develop exceptional problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, which have become invaluable in both my personal and professional pursuits.

You may be wondering, “What led you to become a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Behavior Consultant?” and “Why RUFF University?” The answers to these questions are very simple for me to answer. 

1. There are so many dog trainers out there and almost zero guidance/laws on how they educate you and how they train your dog. No law requires a dog trainer to be certified. However, there are professional organizations that help shape the dog training community. I’ll get back to that shortly. Not only am I an educated and experienced behaviorist, but I am a Certified Dog Trainer (CCDT) through CATCH Canine Trainer's Academy (CATCH is a NJ state-accredited, licensed, and approved Academy - CATCH coursework is approved by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers).  
2. I absolutely LOVE dogs and have a passion for training, teaching, and inspiring dogs and their dog parents (that’s you). 
3. I am a behaviorist with a formal education and real-life experience. Many dog trainers claim to be dog behaviorists, and they have zero education or training in behavior, which can lead to additional behavior problems for your dog (this truly bothers me). Claiming the title "behaviorist" requires graduate-level coursework.
4. I take dog training seriously and understand the power and the benefits of behavioral science. Unlike traditional training methods that rely on punishment or dominance-based techniques (e.g., outdated pack theory), I focus on rewarding and reinforcing desired behaviors. This approach creates an environment that fosters trust, collaboration, and positive associations for your dog. By using positive reinforcement, RUFF University inspires confidence and encourages dogs to make better choices, leading to long-lasting behavioral changes without the need for harsh methods or correctional tools.
5. I am all about education and training, if you couldn’t tell. So, I wanted to become not only a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Behavior Consultant with an extensive resume, but also a foundation for proper (positive reinforcement techniques), force-free, LIMA-compliant, and effective dog training and education for all dogs and their dog parents. I want RUFF University to be the place that dog parents talk about and where they can truly learn from – not just train for an hour and say goodbye. I want to give you and your furry bff a learning experience that will help shape a trusting, loving, and healthy relationship. Hence, RUFF University was created!   

Here is where I said I would get back to it shortly - I am a member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT). I am also a volunteer for the Animal Welfare Association (AWA) located in Voorhees, NJ.

Thank you for taking the time to read up on me! I appreciate you!

If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to reach out here, IG, FB, or call/text us! 

- Dean Jack