Comprehensive Pet Therapy - CPT Training

03/24/2024

CPT Advanced Obedience students Lily and Ponce at their first Happy Tails assignment. Lily and Ponce, along with their Happy Tails team, visited Kennesaw State University. Canine companionship provides students a productive stress relief during mid-term exams.

03/05/2024

Administrative Assistant (Part-Time)


Comprehensive Pet Therapy, Inc.
6600 Roswell Road
Suite K-2
Sandy Springs, GA 30328

Responsibilities include:
• Responding to incoming phone calls,
• Managing client and payment database,
• Scheduling and maintaining training staff appointments and availability,
• Miscellaneous projects assigned by management, and
• Assisting in keeping the facility clean and presentable.

The ideal person should have excellent verbal and written communication skills; enjoy interacting with people over the phone; have the ability to work independent of immediate supervision; have the ability to work both alongside colleagues and alone; and be willing to obtain familiarity with company services, prices, and policies. Some dog training knowledge would be beneficial. The position is three days per week.

Benefits:

Able to bring dog to work and employee discount.

Interested parties should email a cover letter and resume to [email protected].

12/10/2023

Miro Learning the Competition About Turn

In this session, we focused on building precision on Miro’s competition about turn. Goals were to keep him more proximal to the handler, more attentive, and more reliably in heel position as he navigated the 180° movement.

To begin building the exercise, we break it into component steps. Thus, we abbreviate the turn, while rewarding Miro when he meets goals with the shorter movement. We then add one step at a time until Miro can reliably, confidently, and capably perform the entire 180° turn with perfect precision. In this series, we also challenged Miro with distractions by challenging him to perform in both an indoor and an outdoor environment.

11/16/2023

11/16/2023

Miro Learning the Stand for Examination

Miro, a 1.5-year old, male Rottweiler is training for AKC competition obedience. One of the Novice-level exercises is the Stand for Examination. The exercise consists of multiple chained behaviors: 1) a sit-stay, the starting position for the exercise; 2) a pop-up stand, where the dog progresses from a seated to a standing position; 3) a stand-stay, where the dog remains absolutely stationary in a standing position while the handler departs; 4) acceptance of a manual examination, constituting human tactile contact along the dog’s upper and medial vertebrae; and 5) a stand-stay while the handler moves around the rear of the dog, until ultimately returning to heel position.

Miro has an excellent short-duration sit-stay and has already learned the pop-up stand, although he needs to improve his speed and reduce his forward movement when elevating from a sit to a stand. Nevertheless, in today’s session we are emphasizing skills 3, 4, and 5.

In the first video we work on skills 3 and 5. Miro previously had a problem where he would move his feet as the trainer circled him. However, as demonstrated in the video, with practice, Miro has learned to maintain a completely stationary position to earn a release. His reward is a combination of effervescent praise and the opportunity to run, which Miro greatly enjoys. Miro relishes food and toys, but fortunately also works enthusiastically for praise and human-dog interaction.

Since Miro demonstrated requisite competence on skills 1, 2, 3, and 5, our objectives converted to improving his comportment during skill 4, the examination. In the second video, upon the initial examination Miro moves his rear feet. Rather than using a verbal or physical correction, trainer Mark Spivak elects to ignore Miro’s error. Instead, Mark repeats the command, then rewards and releases Miro when he executes properly. Miro tends to improve quickly with a program emphasizing successful trials and de-emphasizing failures, whereby Miro accurately processes the lack of reward as information and then properly amends his performance.

In the third video, Miro moves slightly after the pop-up, but does not move after the stay command. In AKC obedience there is no deduction for movement until after the handler communicates stay and/or leaves heel position. Upon the examination, this time Miro is flawless, whereby Mark elects to simplify the exercise by returning directly to heel position and providing prompt praise, rather than returning around Miro and delaying praise.

In the 4th video, Mark completes the same operation with Miro, where he emphasizes the examination component of the exercise by leaving out step 5. Hindsight shows Mark made the correct decision. Miro adapted nicely from the prior trial. In this trial, Miro was flawless throughout steps 1 – 4, whereupon he earns immediate praise and a release.

During Miro’s next training session, we will focus on the pop-up and on Miro remaining stationary during skill 5. Yet, by separating skill 5 from skill 4 in today’s session we could more effectively teach Miro to remain stationary during the examination portion of the exercise. Moreover, Miro learns quickly from success. Therefore, an unchaining strategy that simplifies each component step accelerates Miro’s understanding, confidence, cooperation, and competence. And we don’t risk the potential stress and loss of motivation that may occur with a program that unduly punishes Miro’s failures. The proof is in the videos, as they document a wonderful attitude and notable improvement.

If you want your dog to obtain obedience skills to the highest level, regardless of whether your goals are for him or her to become an outstanding pet or a victorious competition dog, we welcome you to contact CPT by phone (404-236-2150) or email ([email protected]).
www.cpt-training.com

11/03/2023

3 dogs from the Intermediate Agility class taught by CPT Trainer Melissa Nelson fit the mood of the evening by attending in Halloween costumes. L to R: Cathy Siler with Alfred, Henney Chen with Luna, and Cheryl Jennings with Kate.

11/02/2023

Miro Learning the Competition Come to Front

Miro is a 1.5-year old, intact male Rottweiler. He is in private and group training at CPT, with an end goal of succeeding to high levels in AKC competition obedience.

The following videos document excerpts from a training session working on Miro’s come to front. For the exercise, Miro must sit-stay, wait patiently while the handler departs, come quickly and immediately upon command, then sit straight directly in front of the handler. In the first video, Miro anticipates the Front command, whereupon he “cheats” by starting to leave early. However, in Miro’s case, anticipation is cooperation and emanates from eagerness. Therefore, we correct the error without punishment by changing the predictability of the exercise. Consequently, in videos 2 and 3, CPT Trainer Mark Spivak returns to Miro and rewards the stay, rather than calling him. Then, video 4 documents the resolution of Miro’s error, whereby he calmly awaits the command, responds rapidly when called, and ultimately sits perfectly straight in the front position. The boards are used as a training aid to passively facilitate the habit of a straight front that receives all possible points from an obedience judge.

If you want your dog to obtain obedience skills to the highest level, regardless of whether your goals are for him or her to become an outstanding pet or a victorious competition dog, we welcome you to contact CPT (404-236-2150).

www.cpt-training.com

11/02/2023

CPT Trainer Robin Puryear has been busy and productive during the recent months. Robin teaches Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Obedience for CPT. Robin’s Advanced Obedience class covers a variety of skills, including off-leash obedience and preparation for Happy Tails therapy work.

Recently, 9 students from Robin’s Advanced class passed the rigorous Happy Tails examination. Moreover, of her students, 8/9 passed on their first attempt! Great job Robin!

And great job: 1) John Mortison and Xia (American Staffordshire Terrier), 2) Christine Engstrom and Riggs (Border Collie), 3) Christine Engstrom and Mardi (Border Collie), 4) Sara Ayres and Tumbleweed (Standard Poodle), 5) Cathy Siler and Alfred (Weimaraner), 6) Shawna O'Neil Rodenbaugh and Hazel (Labradoodle), 7) Leslie Malmquist and Sweezie (Miniature Goldendoodle), 8) Lori Mueller and Ponce (Smooth Collie), and 9) Jessica Milburn and Ponce (Chihuahua mix)!

If you are interested in preparing your dog for therapy work, please give CPT a call (404-236-2150). CPT has a diverse menu of group classes, private lessons, in-home private lessons, virtual private lessons, and board train services that can improve your dog’s obedience, housebreaking, manners, socialization, and behavioral problems- and ultimately create an outstanding pet or therapy animal.

www.cpt-training.com

09/22/2023

Discover the joy of effective communication and understanding with your pet 🐶🐱. Comprehensive Pet Therapy, Inc. fosters confidence, cooperation, and lifelong learning: https://ow.ly/ijIV50PBHLM

09/20/2023

Open the door to better behavior with our CPT doorway drill – a simple technique that paves the way for a well-mannered and attentive pup:

The CPT Doorway Behavior Drill. Does Your Dog Bark Reactively or Jump When Visitors Enter the Doorway? The Solution- The CPT Doorway Behavior Drill.

09/18/2023

Yes, please! Discover the joy of dog training with Comprehensive Pet Therapy, Inc.. Our proven methods bring out the best in your furry friend: https://ow.ly/mqqI50PBHKu

09/15/2023

Unveil your cat's true potential with Comprehensive Pet Therapy, Inc.'s cat training services: https://ow.ly/fujG50PBHIM

09/13/2023

Master the art of teaching weave poles to your canine companion with our expert tips – creating a stronger bond and a more agile pup:

When teaching weave poles: 1) Start by using spread weaves to build speed, where your dog runs through the interior of the wide poles.

09/11/2023

Elevate your dog's learning with CPT - Comprehensive Pet Therapy, Inc. Our training fosters positive behavior, communication, and happiness: https://ow.ly/OxTe50PBHHZ
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09/08/2023

🐾 Tired of leash struggles? Discover our effective leash training techniques for enjoyable walks with your canine companion. Contact us today: https://ow.ly/7ro650PBHH4

09/06/2023

Discover the top 10 reasons why you should train your dog with CPT:

10 Reasons to Train Your Dog with CPT

09/04/2023

Solve behavioral challenges with our customized solutions. From barking to manners, we create a harmonious home environment: https://cpt-training.com/
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09/01/2023

Have you been searching for the best pet training services in the area but haven't had any luck? Start your journey with CPT today, we are experienced pros and offer the best pet training services in the area: https://ow.ly/sCky50PBHyS

08/30/2023

CPT Head Trainer/Owner Mark Spivak was featured in the July 15, 2023 print and online issues of the Atlanta Jewish Times:

The Atlanta Jewish Times article, “Pet Trainer Spivak Sets Up Success,” describes how Mark modifies canine and feline anxiety.

08/28/2023

🐶 Join our puppy training classes for a strong foundation in obedience and manners. Start your pup's journey on the right paw: https://ow.ly/Wev350PBHyc
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08/25/2023

Build a stronger bond with your furry friend through positive reinforcement training. Join us on a journey of connection and growth: https://ow.ly/yBzA50PBHxz
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08/23/2023

CPT Trainer Ellie Dunn and CPT Head Trainer/Owner Mark Spivak were featured in the June 2023 print and online issues of Simply Buckhead magazine:

The Simply Buckhead article, entitled “Rehab for Pets,” discusses CPT’s approach when treating canine and feline PTSD.

08/21/2023

Unleash your pup's potential 🐾 with our expert dog training programs! From basic obedience to specialized skills, we've got you covered: https://ow.ly/Zi5e50PBHuy

08/18/2023

We are Atlanta's most respected pet training company! Trust the experts at CPT for all your pet training needs. Learn more: https://ow.ly/8SkU50P5zU5

08/16/2023

🚗 Overcoming Motion Car Sickness: Is your furry friend prone to car sickness? Don't let it put a damper on your adventures! At Comprehensive Pet Therapy, we understand the challenges of motion car sickness and can help you and your pet overcome it. Our training programs focus on desensitization techniques and building positive associations with car rides. Say goodbye to queasy travels and hello to stress-free road trips. Learn more on our website: https://ow.ly/hqTB50P5AjK

Due to enduring motion sickness or an imprint from a prior episode(s) of car sickness, dogs may stubbornly refuse to enter a vehicle.

08/14/2023

🐶 Looking for the best pet training possible? Look no further than Comprehensive Pet Therapy! With a reputation built on trust and proven results, we are the go-to pet training company in the area. Whether you need basic obedience training or specialized behavior modification, we have the expertise to help. Explore our services: https://ow.ly/w6q150P5zAE

08/11/2023

🐾 Discover the wide range of pet training services offered at Comprehensive Pet Therapy (CPT)! As Atlanta's most respected pet training company, we provide expert training programs tailored to meet the unique needs of your furry friend. Learn more: https://ow.ly/RPLm50P5z0z

08/09/2023

🐾 Master the Art of Loose Leash Walking: Tired of being pulled around on walks? Comprehensive Pet Therapy is here to help! Learn how: https://ow.ly/hkY550P5Ai6

To most effectively and most humanely address leash walking problems, especially pulling, we wish first to diagnose the origin of the behavior.

08/07/2023

🐾 Are you a busy pet owner in need of training solutions? Comprehensive Pet Therapy (CPT) offers personalized private training sessions that can be scheduled at your convenience. Learn more: https://ow.ly/n09b50P5yX1