CPT Trainer Performs Lunch & Learn Seminar at Animal Hospital of Sandy Springs

September 14, 2009

On Monday, September 14, CPT Trainer/Owner Mark Spivak appeared at the Animal Hospital of Sandy Springs on Sandy Springs Circle in Sandy Springs. Mark first explained CPT’s history and services, then assisted Dr. Ella Ahearn, Dr. Christina Anderson and the Hospital staff in resolving various clinic and personal pets’ behavioral and obedience problems, including consultations on territorial barking, leash walking, basic obedience and jumping. To verify our behavioral work with cats, we performed a live demonstration using clicker/food counterconditioning and desensitization techniques on one of the clinic cats that was resistant to handling. In addition, we performed a live counterconditioning demonstration on a staff member’s personal dog that was barking disruptively when people walked by the clinic. The attendees appreciated the insights provided by CPT, as well as CPT’s cognitive, personalized emphasis. Consequently, the AHSS can now speak more knowledgably and confidently when recommending CPT for improving their clients’ behavioral and obedience issues.

Veterinary hospitals, such as the Animal Hospital of Sandy Springs, realize that forming a relationship with CPT increases the productivity and profitability of the clinic. Happy dog owners with well trained pets do not return their pets to the breeder or shelter. Consequently, they remain clients of the veterinary practice and better enjoy the pet owning experience with their current pet, as well as future pets. Thus, they remain happy clients for many years.

Moreover, veterinarians prefer examining calm, obedient dogs versus fearful, aggressive, or overly exuberant dogs that require the assistance of one or more technicians. Calm, obedient dogs trained by CPT are more pleasant, safer clients. Furthermore, cooperative, well-behaved dogs lead to faster exams and less need to distract vet techs from other assignments, which reduces overtime and associated labor costs for the hospital. In addition, when exams progress more quickly and veterinarians are not burdened by communicating lengthy complimentary behavioral consultations on housebreaking, household manners, obedience, dominance or aggression, the veterinarian’s time is more productive and profitable. In contrast, when veterinarians have an expected 10-minute exam turn into a 30-minute exam, waiting clients often sit in the lobby an excess amount of time. Alternatively, referring the obedience, household manners, or behavioral consultation to CPT enables a trainer to perform the consultation at the client’s home, where it is often most beneficial, and improves customer service and client wait time at the hospital.

Atlanta area veterinary clinics desiring a similar presentation, should contact the CPT office by phone at 770-396-6433.