CPT President Mark Spivak and Dog Project Colleague Greg Berns Featured in Emory Magazine
June 1, 2014
The article delves into the origins of the dog’s inclusion in cognitive science and then advances to contemporary times when describing “The Dog Project,” the moniker for the groundbreaking fMRI research undertaken by Berns and Spivak. The article describes the genesis for The Dog Project, which occurred when Prof. Berns viewed photographs of military dogs rappelling from helicopters and then became determined to become the first researcher to train a non-human animal to take an MRI without sedation or restraints. Berns also discusses his primary goal behind the research, which is to better understand the dog-human bond.
CPT Visits Wolf Park
May 30, 2014
CPT President Mark Spivak, Prof. Gregory Berns, and Dr. Peter Cook, the project leaders of the Emory-CPT Neuroscience Team, in late May, visited Wolf Park in Battleground, Indiana. Wolf Park is the country’s foremost facility dedicated to wolf behavioral research, education, and conservation, with the objective of improving the public’s understanding of wolves and the value they provide to our environment. The team was invited to Wolf Park by Prof. Clive Wynne, the Wolf Park Director of Research. Dr. Wynne, a member of the Wolf Park Board of Directors and a noteworthy researcher of dog and wolf behavior and cognition, is a Professor of Psychology at Arizona State University and formerly held a similar position at the University of Florida.
CPT Featured in Neighbor Newspapers
April 28, 2014
Neighbor Newspapers featured a full-page article citing CPT President Mark Spivak and colleague Greg Berns’s appearance on the PBS Nova episode entitled, “Inside Animal Minds.”
Sandy Springs Dog Trainer and Emory Professor Appear on Upcoming PBS Nova Broadcast- “Inside Animal Minds”- Additional Atlanta Canines Sought for Groundbreaking Research Study
April 9, 2014
Sandy Springs, GA- Wednesday, April 9, 2014. Do our dogs truly love us? Who makes them happier, their human caretakers or fellow canines? How can we most effectively communicate with our pets? What is the best way to train them? Sandy Springs dog trainer Mark Spivak and Emory University professor have answered the first two […]
CPT President Mark Spivak Co-Authors Peer Reviewed Article in Behavioural Processes
March 6, 2014
CPT President Mark Spivak, functioning as a research consultant in conjunction with Emory University’s Neuroscience Department, co-authored a third research paper published in a prestigious peer reviewed academic journal. The article, entitled Scent of the Familiar: An fMRI Study of Canine Brain Responses to Familiar and Unfamiliar Human and Dog Odors, coauthored by Dr. Greg Berns, MD, PhD, Andrew Brooks, PhD candidate, and Mark Spivak, CPT, describes the olfactory cortex and caudate activation responses of 12 subject dogs exposed to a variety of social scents.
CPT President Mark Spivak Invited to Speak at Atlanta Science Festival
March 1, 2014
On Sunday, March 23, 2014, between the hours of 2 to 3 pm, Mark Spivak, President of Comprehensive Pet Therapy, will be one of the featured speakers for a presentation at Fernbank entitled, “Decoding What Dogs Think.” Mark will present along with Prof. Gregory Berns from Emory University, and Prof. Melody Jackson from Georgia Tech University. Greg and Mark will discuss their exciting research that is decoding the minds of dogs. Melody will discuss the FIDO vest that her laboratory created. FIDO enables two-way computerized Bluetooth communication between dogs and humans.
60 Minutes Visits CPT
February 22, 2014
With the forthcoming release of their 3rd paper and some groundbreaking research methods and findings, the Emory-CPT Neuroscience Team, also know simply as “The Dog Project,” has received outstanding media attention. The team has been covered by ABC World News Tonight, CBS This Morning, The New York Times, The LA Times, Time Magazine, and Rolling Stone amongst others and will be featured in an upcoming episode of PBS’s Nova series. Yet, the pinnacle may have occurred on February 22, 2014 when two production crews from 60 Minutes visited Emory University and CPT to film live MRI sessions, MRI training sessions, and interviews with the projects’ principals, Prof. Greg Berns and CPT President Mark Spivak. 60 Minutes correspondent Anderson Cooper conducted the interviews.
PBS Releases Sneak Peek Promo for “Inside Animal Minds” Episode Featuring CPT President Mark Spivak
January 28, 2014
PBS also released a fantastic video “sneak peek” into the series. Click the following image to see outstanding video of dogs, wolves, dolphins, orcas, birds, chimps, monkeys, elephants, bees, and more. The Emory-CPT research team, including an interview with CPT’s Mark Spivak, is featured from 0:48 to 1:17 of the fast moving 3 minute 7 second video.
CPT President Mark Spivak Co-Authors Second Article In PLoS One
December 4, 2013
In May 2011, Emory and CPT began collaborating on a humane approach to use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to better acquire knowledge related to the human-animal bond, canine cognition, canine emotions, canine sensory perception, and canine receptive communication. Mark co-designed the initial research study, designed the selection criteria for the subject animals, and designed the training protocols, whereby he identified the key variables, then used the processes of systematic desensitization, habituation, behavior shaping, behavior chaining, and positive reinforcement to direct the training of two subject dogs to cooperatively enter the fMRI tube and coil and remain motionless for the required time period.
On May 11, 2012, the group published their first paper, Functional MRI in Awake Unrestrained Dogs that documented the process and the cognitive findings for two dogs. The group’s second paper, published on December 4, 2013, documents the process and relevant research findings for a total of 13 dogs.
CPT Trainer Patricia King Appears on CBS This Morning
October 22, 2013
CPT Trainer Patricia King and her Golden/Lab Mix Kady appeared in a segment on CBS This Morning entitled, “The Science of Puppy Love: Brain Scans Reveal Emotions of Dogs.” CBS This Morning correspondent Terrell Brown interviewed Patricia regarding her involvement in the Emory-CPT Neuroscience Project and the Project’s quest to understand dogs’ emotions and how they love us.
BBC Film Crew Visits CPT
September 15, 2013
The Emory-CPT Neuroscience Team is achieving global recognition. On September 15, 2013, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) flew a production crew to Atlanta to film live MRIs at Emory and training sessions at CPT. The crew also interviewed CPT President Mark Spivak and Emory professor Greg Berns, the co-founders of “The Dog Project,” the world’s first research group to obtain successful MRIs of awake and non-restrained animals.
Groundbreaking Emory-CPT Dog Project
August 13, 2013
Since dogs are our most vital pets and the working animal most important to the military, wouldn’t it be beneficial to literally delve deep into their minds? Wouldn’t it be nice to know whether our dogs love us? How we can make them happier? What is the best way to train them?
But, how do we venture into their brains to answer the preceding questions?
A research team comprised of a prominent Emory professor and a well-respected Sandy Springs dog trainer are seeking to answer the preceding questions. They are the first researchers worldwide to effectively use the tool of MRI to study dog behavior. They have obtained some significant accomplishments. However, to progress even further in answering the above questions, they need the help of Atlanta dog owners and their very special dogs.
Emmy Award Winning Production Company OSF Films Documentary with Emory-CPT Project Team
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.
Dog Star Technologies, Co-owned by CPT President Mark Spivak, Receives STTR Contract from the Department of Defense
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 […]
CPT Provides Clicker Training Seminar to Staff
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.
CPT President Mark Spivak and Emory Professor Greg Berns Create Dog Star Technologies
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 […]
Emory-CPT Neuroscience Project Receives Significant Grant from the Office of Naval Research (ONR)
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. […]
Emory/CPT Canine Neuroscience Project Receives Major Media Coverage
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 […]
CPT President Mark Spivak Featured in the Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Buckhead, and Brookhaven Reporter
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. […]
Emory/CPT Expand Canine Neuroscience Project fMRI Team
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 Co-Authors Article Published in Prestigious Academic Journal
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 […]
CPT President Mark Spivak Appointed as Loving Pets Expert
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 […]
CPT Trained Dog Featured in Knoxville Newspaper
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 […]
CPT Trainer Appears at Hopewell Middle School Animal Club to Discuss CPT’s Expert Witness Services
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 […]
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 […]
CPT Internal Training Seminar- Prevention and Treatment of Medical Conditions and Client Service Issues in a Boarding Environment
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 […]
CPT Internal Training Seminar- Electronic Fencing Systems
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 […]
CPT Trainer’s Dog Achieves Prestigious Ranking
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 […]
CPT Agility Trainer Holly Schmidt Heads Local Chapter of the Teacup Dog Agility Association
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 […]
New Agility Title for CPT Student
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 […]
CPT Trainer Melissa Cate Achieves Advanced Agility Title
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 […]
CPT Trainer Melissa Cate Achieves Agility Title
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 […]
CPT Trainers Perform Lunch & Learn Seminar at Windward Animal Hospital
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 […]
CPT Trainers Perform Lunch & Learn Seminar at Peachtree Corners Animal Clinic
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 […]
CPT internal Training Seminar- Pack Behavior and Dog Day Care
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 […]
CPT Trainers Perform Lunch & Learn Seminar at Northbrook Animal Hospital
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 […]
CPT Internal Training Seminar- Age Specific Puppy Training
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. […]
CPT Trainers Perform Lunch & Learn Seminar at Shallowford Animal Hospital
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, […]
CPT Trainers Perform Lunch & Learn Seminar at Buckhead Animal Clinic
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, […]
CPT Trainers Perform Lunch & Learn Seminar at Duluth Animal Hospital
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, […]
Agility Title for Rescue Dog Who Became a CPT Student
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 […]
CPT Trainers Perform Lunch & Learn Seminar at Lenox Pet Hospital
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 […]
CPT Trainers Perform Second Lunch & Learn Seminar at Northside Drive Pet Hospital
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 […]
CPT Trainers Perform Second Lunch & Learn Seminar at Wieuca Animal Clinic
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 […]
CPT Trainers Perform Lunch & Learn Seminar at Ivy Hill Animal Hospital
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 […]
CPT Trainers Perform Lunch & Learn Seminar at South Forsyth Animal Hospital
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 […]
CPT Trainer Melissa Cate Achieves Obedience Title
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) […]
CPT Internal Training Seminar- Clicker Training
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, […]
CPT Trainers Perform Second Lunch & Learn Seminar at Averill Animal Hospital
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 […]
CPT Trainers Perform Lunch & Learn Seminar at Northside Drive Pet Hospital
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, […]
Improve Your Dogs Obedience
