July 15, 2013
On July 15, 2013, Oxford Scientific Films (OSF) traveled from London to Atlanta to film the Emory-CPT Project Team for inclusion in an upcoming hour-long documentary about canine cognition. The film crew videoed the fMRI scanning of 3 team dogs and participated in one of the experiments. The OSF production team expects that they will complete the documentary in October 2013. OSF hopes to distribute the documentary for broadcast on BBC1 in England and on a major public broadcasting or cable network in the USA.
July 1, 2013
On July 1, 2013 the Department of Defense (DOD) notified Dog Star Technologies, a company co-owned by CPT President Mark Spivak, that the DOD was awarding Dog Star a contract to improve canine fMRI research processes so that they may be better employed for improving the selection, training, handling, and quality of life of service […]
May 13, 2013
On Monday, May 13, 2013 CPT presented a clicker training seminar to its trainers and support staff. The seminar began with a discussion regarding the role of the clicker, which in the belief of CPT is most advantageous when:
Conducting imprint training with puppies, when
Working with anxious, but noise tolerant dogs, who are nervous amidst humans or when hearing the human voice,
Conducting counterconditioning drills with a majority of human or dog aggressive animals,
Conducting shaping drills for complex exercises, and
Working with owners/handlers who are not adept at vocal modulation and/or human-dog verbal communication.
February 13, 2013
On February 10, 2013 CPT President Mark Spivak and Emory Professor Greg Berns incorporated Dog Star Technologies, LLC. Dog Star will develop, manufacture, and market leading edge products that improve the quality of life of working dogs, competition dogs, and pet dogs. Some of the products proposed by Dog Star will spawn from the research […]
October 1, 2012
On October 1, 2012 the Emory-CPT Neuroscience Team received notification from the Office of Naval Research (ONR) that the team was awarded a 3-year $988,000 grant to use awake, non-restrained fMRI to study canine brain responses, especially those dealing with olfaction. The project team will also study canine cognition, emotions, sensory perception, and receptive communication. […]
May 14, 2012
CPT President Mark Spivak, functioning as a research consultant in conjunction with Emory University’s Neuroscience Department, co-authored a groundbreaking research paper published in the prestigious academic journal PLoS One. The article, entitled Functional MRI in Awake Unrestrained Dogs, coauthored by Dr. Greg Berns, MD, PhD, Andrew Brooks, PhD candidate, and Mark Spivak, CPT, details the […]
May 12, 2012
CPT President Mark Spivak today was featured in a full-page human interest biographical article that ran in the Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Buckhead, and Brookhaven editions of the Reporter Newspapers. Melissa Weinman, a journalist for the Reporter Newspapers visited Mr. Spivak to interview him for the article, entitled “Sandy Springs Trainer Combines Art and Science.” Ms. […]
May 11, 2012
On May 11, 2012, Dr. Greg Berns, MD, PhD and Andrew Brooks, PhD candidate, from Emory University’s Neuroscience Department and Mark Spivak, a project consultant from CPT, co-authored a groundbreaking research paper published in the prestigious academic journal PLoS One, entitled Functional MRI in Awake Unrestrained Dogs. The journal article details the first neuroscientific study worldwide […]
CPT President Mark Spivak, functioning as a research consultant in conjunction with Emory University’s Neuroscience Department, co-authored a groundbreaking research paper published in the prestigious academic journal PLoS One. The article, entitled Functional MRI in Awake Unrestrained Dogs, coauthored by Dr. Greg Berns, MD, PhD, Andrew Brooks, PhD candidate, and Mark Spivak, CPT, details the […]
March 1, 2010
CPT President and Head Trainer Mark Spivak today was appointed as the “Pet Expert” for Loving Pets Products, Inc. Loving Pets, based in Cranbury, NJ, manufactures and distributes high-quality gourmet pet treats and high-end pet products, such as decorative stainless steel feeding bowls and dishes. Loving Pets delectable gourmet pet treats and aesthetically pleasing pet […]
November 3, 2009
Donna Silvey and her CPT-trained Katrina rescue dog, Boudreaux, were featured today in the Knoxville News Sentinel for their participation as a key therapy dog/handler team within the Ruff Reading Program that serves the Knoxville public school system. Ruff Reading was developed in 2001 by the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine as part […]
October 7, 2009
On Wednesday, October 7, CPT Trainer/Owner Mark Spivak appeared at the Hopewell Middle School on Cogburn Road in Alpharetta. Mark spoke to the sixth through eighth grade students participating in the school’s extracurricular Animal Club. Club proctor and HMS teacher Lisa Byrd asked that Mark speak to the students about his experiences providing expert witness […]
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 […]
July 24, 2009
CPT Internal Training Seminar- Prevention and Treatment of Medical Conditions and Client Service Issues in a Boarding Environment In our continuing efforts to maintain the CPT training staff as the most educated group of pet trainers and behaviorists in the Atlanta area, we completed another in a sequence of internal training seminars deigned to enhance […]
May 12, 2009
In our continuing efforts to maintain the CPT training staff as the most educated group of pet trainers and behaviorists in the Atlanta area, we completed another in a sequence of internal training seminars designed to enhance each trainer’s knowledge and competency regarding canine learning theory, canine communication, new equipment and applications, and leading edge […]
March 12, 2009
Zeek, a five-year old Boxer owned by CPT Trainer Melissa Cate, was recently honored by the United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA) as the third ranked Boxer in the Southeast and the fifth ranked agility Boxer in the nation. Melissa and Zeek compete in both obedience and agility. In obedience, Melissa and Zeek have earned […]
November 8, 2008
CPT Agility Trainer Holly Schmidt Heads Local Chapter of the Teacup Dog Agility Association (TDAA) CPT Head Agility Trainer recently formed a local chapter of the Teacup Dog Agility Association (TDAA). The mission of the TDAA is to provide a competitive agility venue for dogs of small stature without regard to breed or pedigree. Obstacles […]
October 27, 2008
On Sunday October 26, CPT competition agility student Cathy Allred and her rescue dog, Lucy, an Australian Shepherd Mix, completed their second agility title- USDAA Performance 1 Gamblers. Previously Cathy and Lucy earned their USDAA Performance 1 Jumpers title. Cathy and Lucy earned their new title while competing in a United States Dog Agility Association […]
September 22, 2008
CPT Agility Trainer Melissa Cate and her five-year old Boxer, Zeek, qualified for the third time in United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA) Starters Agility competitions. The third qualification earned Melissa and Zeek their USDAA Agility Dog (AD) title. While achieving their final qualifying leg, they also earned a third place finish. Zeek is the […]
September 10, 2008
CPT Agility Trainer Melissa Cate and her five-year old Boxer, Zeek, qualified for the third time in United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA) Starters Jumpers competitions. The third qualification earned Melissa and Zeek their USDAA Starters Jumpers (SJ) title. While achieving their three qualifying legs, they earned one first and two second-place finishes. They now […]
August 29, 2008
On Friday, August 29, CPT Trainer/Owner Mark Spivak and Veterinary Relations Manager Connie Levy appeared at Windward Animal Hospital on Jones Bridge Road in Johns Creek. Mark first explained CPT’s history, CPT’s services, and the advantages that position CPT as the highest quality provider of pet training services in the Atlanta metro area. Mark next […]
August 12, 2008
On Tuesday, August 12, CPT Trainer/Owner Mark Spivak and Veterinary Relations Manager Connie Levy appeared at Peachtree Corners Animal Clinic on Holcomb Bridge Road in Norcross. Mark first explained CPT’s history, CPT’s services, and the advantages that position CPT as the highest quality provider of pet training services in the Atlanta metro area. Dr. Kathryn […]
August 11, 2008
In our continuing efforts to maintain the CPT training staff as the most educated group of pet trainers and behaviorists in the Atlanta area, we completed another in a sequence of internal training seminars designed to enhance each trainer’s knowledge and competency regarding canine learning theory, canine communication, new equipment and applications, and leading edge […]
June 25, 2008
On Wednesday, June 25, CPT Trainer/Owner Mark Spivak and Veterinary Relations Manager Connie Levy appeared at Northbrook Animal Hospital on West Crossville Road in Roswell. Mark first explained CPT’s history and services, then assisted Dr. Cherie O’Keefe and the Hospital staff in resolving their pets’ behavioral and obedience problems, including a detailed consultations on dog-cat […]
June 24, 2008
In our continuing efforts to maintain the CPT Training staff as the most educated group of pet trainers in the Atlanta area, we completed another in a sequence of internal training seminars designed to enhance each trainer’s knowledge and competency regarding canine learning theory, canine communication, new equipment and applications, and leading edge training methodologies. […]
June 10, 2008
On Tuesday, June 10, CPT Trainer/Owner Mark Spivak and Veterinary Relations Manager Connie Levy appeared at Shallowford Animal Hospital on Shallowford Road in Marietta. Mark first explained CPT’s history and services, then assisted Dr. Megan Riley and the Hospital staff in resolving their pets’ behavioral and obedience problems, including consultations on dog-dog aggression, barking, jumping, […]
May 29, 2008
On Thursday, May 29, CPT Trainer/Owner Mark Spivak and Veterinary Relations Manager Connie Levy appeared at Buckhead Animal Clinic on Piedmont Circle in Atlanta. Mark first explained CPT’s history and services, then assisted Dr. Aleisha Swartz, Dr. Heather Markway, Practice Manager Jennifer Stotelmyer and the Hospital staff in resolving their pets’ behavioral and obedience problems, […]
May 21, 2008
On Wednesday, May 21, CPT Trainer/Owner Mark Spivak and Veterinary Relations Manager Connie Levy appeared at Duluth Animal Hospital on Buford Highway in Duluth. Mark first explained CPT’s history and services, then assisted Dr. Mike Miller, Dr. Vanessa Dodson, Hospital Manager Chris Early and the Hospital staff in resolving their pets’ behavioral and obedience problems, […]
May 19, 2008
On Sunday May 18, CPT competition agility student Cathy Allred and her rescue dog, Lucy, an Australian Shepherd Mix, completed their first agility title- USDAA Performance Jumpers 1. They next plan to participate at the more difficult Performance Jumpers 2 level. When Cathy first enrolled Lucy at CPT, she never contemplated competing in agility. Her […]
May 15, 2008
On Thursday, May 15, CPT Trainer/Owner Mark Spivak and Veterinary Relations Manager Connie Levy appeared at Lenox Pet Hospital on Colonial Drive in the Brookhaven section of Atlanta. Mark first explained CPT’s history and services, then assisted Dr. David Bressman, Office Manager Sandra McClurkin and the Hospital staff in resolving their pets’ behavioral and obedience […]
May 8, 2008
On Thursday, May 8, CPT Trainer/Owner Mark Spivak and Veterinary Relations Manager Connie Levy appeared at Northside Drive Pet Hospital on Northside Drive in Atlanta. This was Northside’s second lunch and learn with CPT. Northside’s veterinarians and staff found the first meeting informative and productive. Therefore, they requested a second meeting to better learn about […]
May 1, 2008
On Thursday, May 1, CPT Trainer/Owner Mark Spivak, Trainer Patricia King, and Veterinary Relations Manager Connie Levy appeared at Wieuca Animal Clinic on Roswell Road in Atlanta. This was Wieuca’s second lunch and learn with CPT. Wieuca’s veterinarians and staff found the first meeting informative and productive. Therefore, they requested a second meeting to better […]
April 2, 2008
On Wednesday, April 2, CPT Trainer/Owner Mark Spivak and Veterinary Relations Manager Connie Levy appeared at Ivy Hill Animal Hospital on Medlock Bridge Road in Johns Creek. Mark first explained CPT’s history and services, then assisted Doctors Donna Adams and Nell Tillis and the Hospital staff in resolving their pets’ behavioral and obedience problems, including […]
March 26, 2008
On Wednesday, March 26, CPT Trainer/Owner Mark Spivak and Veterinary Relations Manager Connie Levy appeared at South Forsyth Animal Hospital on McGinnis Ferry Road in Johns Creek. Mark first explained CPT’s history and services, then assisted Doctors Cheryl O’Neal and Lisa Hillier and the Hospital staff in resolving their pets’ behavioral and obedience problems, including […]
February 4, 2008
On Saturday February 2, CPT Trainer Melissa Cate and her Boxer, Zeek, completed their AKC Companion Dog (CD) title. Zeek’s qualifying leg was his third of a required three legs toward his title, which included a third place finish with a score of 188. Melissa and Zeek have now started training for their Open (CDX) […]
January 22, 2008
In our continuing efforts to keep the CPT training staff as the most educated group of pet trainers in the Atlanta area, we have commenced a series of internal seminars designed to enhance the trainers’ knowledge regarding canine learning theory, canine communication, new equipment and applications, and leading edge training methodologies. On January 22, 2008, […]
December 12, 2007
On Wednesday, December 12, CPT Trainer/Owner Mark Spivak and Krista Weaver appeared at Averill Animal Hospital on Villa Rica Way in Marietta. This was Averill’s second lunch and learn with CPT. Averill’s veterinarians and staff found the first meeting informative and productive. Therefore, they requested a second meeting to better learn about CPT’s programs and […]
November 27, 2007
On Tuesday, November 27, CPT Trainers Mark Spivak and Krista Weaver appeared at Northside Drive Pet Hospital on Northside Drive in Atlanta. Mark first explained CPT’s history and services, then assisted two of the veterinarians and the Hospital staff in resolving their pets’ behavioral and obedience problems, including consultations on jumping, basic obedience, anxiety reduction, […]
October 14, 2007
In Wisconsin, Three First Place Finishes, Three High-In-Trials and New Novice Obedience Title for CPT Competition Student CPT competition obedience student Mary Ann Butler recently achieved an unbeaten and near perfect performance over a three-day Wisconsin weekend. On Friday, October 12, Mary Ann and her female Rottweiler Dessa, earned a FIRST PLACE finish at the […]
September 19, 2007
CPT Agility Trainer Sierra Schmidt is prominently featured in the September 2007 AKC Junior News, the American Kennel Club’s official newsletter of the AKC Junior Organization. After 17-year old Sierra achieved a first place finish in the inaugural AKC National Agility Invitational, competing against seasoned adults, including world team members, the AKC asked Sierra to […]
September 18, 2007
In our continuing efforts to keep the CPT training staff as the most educated group of pet trainers in the Atlanta area, we have commenced a series of internal seminars designed to enhance the trainers’ knowledge regarding canine learning theory, canine communication, new equipment and applications, and leading edge training methodologies. On September 18, 2007, […]
August 14, 2007
In our continuing efforts to keep the CPT training staff as the most educated group of pet trainers in the Atlanta area, we have commenced a series of internal seminars designed to enhance the trainers’ knowledge regarding canine learning theory, canine communication, new equipment and applications, and leading edge training methodologies. On August 14, 2007, […]
July 16, 2007
CPT’s competition obedience team recently achieved two first place finishes and a new title at the Novice level. On Saturday, July 14, CPT competition student Jennie Walsh and her Swiss Mountain Dog Mix, Argos, earned a FIRST PLACE finish at the Novice A level with a score of 192.5 in the Australian Shepherd Club of […]
July 10, 2007
On Tuesday, July 10, CPT Trainers Mark Spivak and Krista Weaver appeared at Roswell Animal Hospital on Alpharetta Highway/Highway 9 in Roswell. Mark and Krista first explained CPT’s history and services, then assisted several of the veterinarians, hospital manager Bill Grubb, and the Hospital staff in resolving their pets’ behavioral and obedience problems, including consultations […]
March 5, 2007
On Monday, March 5, CPT Trainers Mark Spivak and Krista Weaver appeared at Falcon Village Animal Hospital on Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road in Suwanee. Mark and Krista first explained CPT’s history and services, then assisted several of the veterinarians, hospital manager Claudia Bradbury, and the Hospital staff in resolving their pets’ behavioral and obedience problems, including consultations […]
February 13, 2007
On Friday, February 23, CPT Trainers Mark Spivak and Krista Weaver appeared at Dr. Stephanie Baker Oteri’s Crossroads Animal Clinic on Peachtree Industrial Boulevard in Suwanee. Mark and Krista first explained CPT’s history and services, then assisted the Hospital staff in resolving their pets’ behavioral and obedience problems, including consultations on housebreaking, basic obedience, and […]
CPT Agility Trainer Sierra Schmidt will prominently appear in Animal Planet’s upcoming broadcasts of the AKC National Agility Invitational. Follow the ups and downs, ins and outs, backs and forths, and overs and unders of some of the world’s best four-legged athletes and their handler/trainers as they attempt to conquer an obstacle course full of […]
January 7, 2007
On Wednesday, January 31, CPT Trainers Mark Spivak and Krista Weaver appeared at Dr. Margaret Fitzgerald’s Suwanee Animal Hospital. Mark and Krista first explained CPT’s history and services, then answered general questions on pet obedience and behavior, including applications for clicker training, effective communication skills, and counterconditioning techniques to reduce possessive aggression. The staff appreciated […]
December 17, 2006
Comprehensive Pet Therapy (CPT) is pleased to inform that on December 3, 2006, CPT Agility Trainer Sierra Schmidt, of Alpharetta, won the 8-inch height class in the inaugural American Kennel Club (AKC) Agility Invitational held in Long Beach, California. Sierra and her Bichon Frise, Balto, defeated 80 elite competitors, including a former world team member, […]
December 8, 2006
On Friday, December 8, CPT Trainers Mark Spivak and Krista Weaver appeared at Dr. Todd Lavender’s North Atlanta Animal Medical Center. Mark and Krista first explained CPT’s history and services, then assisted the Hospital staff in resolving their pets’ behavioral and obedience problems, including consultations on housebreaking, digging, basic obedience, anxiety reduction, and aggression reduction. […]