One thing in particular that I love about Mark’s training style is he strongly believes in positive reinforcement and setting your dog up to succeed, not fail, which I truly value and respect. This particular approach may not be for every dog, I don’t know, but it’s definitely worth finding out. Hiring a private trainer can be an investment, but CPT’s goal is to equip you, the owner, with the tools to train your dog to be the best companion he/she can be. As long as you do your homework and are consistent with your dog then you won’t need to keep going back for more lessons. After 4 or 5 lessons we felt well equipped to help Balou with his fear aggression and anxiety level and what’s awesome is so much of what we’ve learned can be applied to any dog we have in the future:-)

-Ben and Kara S.-

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This was a great experience and the best money I spend for both me and my doggie. We bonded, he learned, I learned, and now I feel much safer to have him out socializing, around children, where cars are dominant, and even where other alpha dogs rule. The trainers were all highly knowledgeable and made sure we worked hard to accomplish our set obedient goals. Looking forward to take it to the next level – perhaps advanced training and agility.

-Ilana K.-

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We recently moved to Atlanta and looked to start a new training regime for our 3-year-old American Eskimo, Sunshine, a rescued dog. In her short life so far, various trainers, and friends doubted Sunshine could overcome her extreme insecurity. Mark Spivak evaluated Sunshine and let her into the CPT program immediately. We have worked with Mark and another of his extremely talented staff, Patricia, for only five months now. But the results are astounding. Sunshine is a different dog! She has so much confidence. She still has a road ahead of her, but CPT has, in our eyes, performed something like a miracle in seeing Sunshine’s potential, and in working patiently with us. The rates for individual work and group classes are very reasonable in the hyper-priced arena of dog training. If you are looking for solid dog training, CPT will not disappoint. Sunshine is a living example. Thank you!

-Kathleen R.-

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I have taken both of my dogs to CPT for beginner and intermediate obedience, beginner and intermediate agility, canine good citizen, private lessons, and boarding. I have worked with 4 different trainers (Mark, Patricia, Alex, and Karen) and they are all very knowledgeable and competent. They will recommend different methods or training supplies depending on the dog s personality and temperament to make sure that the appropriate methods are being used to address each dog s different learning abilities. All of the trainers have been willing to stay after class for additional questions. I appreciate that they do not use a single training method on all dogs but instead adapt the training methods needed to the dog-I use different equipment and methods on my dogs who have opposite temperaments (one is very energetic and friendly and the other is very shy). They were also taken care of very well when boarded- they were given ample play time, given baths, and didn t have to stay in noisy, stressful kennels like at the vet. I have worked with 2 other training companies at different times before I came to CPT and the other companies were very one dimensional and did not come close to matching the quality of training at CPT. Their prices are also very reasonable and well worth it. I highly recommend CPT.

-H. A.-

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The trainers are very knowledgeable and hands on. They definitely helped us enjoy our young dog even more with some basic training.

-Jason L.-

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Excellent agility class! Our dog Heidi (1 1/2 years old) totally enjoyed this class, and also learned how to be more obedient and improved her listening skills. I highly recommend this class and will enrolled our dog in more classes at CPT. Thanks so much Mark!

-Chris C.-

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Working through some agility issues with my Border Collie. Excellent training tips and help. Mark finds a way to help you work with your dog in a positive way. I can not be more pleased with the results.

-Robin P.-

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We are having our lab Bentley service trained through CPT. Mark was very good at evaluating Bentley and also understanding what we needed in Bentley. He was excellent working through all the commands Bentley would eventually learn and understanding the “unseen” needs our daughter has. It was amazing the change in Bentley from his first board train with Lisa. She was excellent at working with Bentley and really understanding what he needed to learn to help my daughter….she is almost 5 with several brain issues. Although bright and joyful, she has many sensory, balance, and seizure issues. Lisa has been amazing getting Bentley ready to serve and work with our daughter. He is continuing in classes with Karen while he is home and she has also been great. Bentley goes back to Lisa at the end of this month and while we will miss him again, we are so grateful for the bond they have and how amazing Lisa is at training Bentley. We cannot wait to see what this year brings as we countdown to next year when Bentley can receive his final service certification. Thanks CPT!

– Molly G. –

I’m so grateful to this company for helping Baylor (my service dog) and I. Not even once did I feel uncomfortable sharing with them what I needed. I never felt judged or misunderstood and I trusted 100% that Baylor was in the best possible hands. The second time Lisa (a trainer with CPT) came to get Baylor for board training, Baylor ran out to Lisa’s truck and didn’t look back at mom or home even once! That really floored me. Baylor is so attached to me, and I have to admit I was a bit jealous that she loved Lisa that much! ? That moment totally silenced any questions in the back of my mind about how Baylor was getting on when she was hanging out with Lisa. Clearly they have a really special bond and Lisa has an awesome gift working with dogs. Baylor is not the same dog she was in January, and it’s all thanks to Lisa. I want to also comment on how dramatically Baylor changed each time she had her board training. The first board train, she came home much quieter and able to focus with a very expanded repertoire of commands and things to work on. However, in public she was still kind of distracted around other dogs and I don’t think she fully understood her job. This is totally understandable, since she had only spent 6 weeks with Lisa. The second board train she did was for 5 weeks and Baylor came back a dog ready to WORK. She can now restrain herself from being wild to absolutely calm in seconds. I am amazed at how many new things Lisa taught her in such a short time. Baylor is learning Heel, Back, has mastered the Stand/Stay, does a great Visit, and her Lean is perfect. I am thrilled with Baylor’s progress and I take her with me proudly. We are an awesome team now, and I think she is a great ambassador to other service dog teams and pit bulls. Even when she’s not working, we get so many compliments on her good behavior and how sweet she is. I am so, so thankful to CPT. On another note, I am on the lowest dose of medication I’ve ever been on, and my psychiatrist and I are considering tapering me off of it completely. I have no doubt that this is entirely due to how much Baylor has been helping me since her training.

– Olivia D. –

I just started my 3rd class with my puppy/dog. Karen Smalley is our trainer and is amazing. It has been an amazing experience. We have learned so much, so many fantastic training tips. It has really strengthened the bond with my dog. I highly recommend classes at CPT. It is so much fun to watch not only My dog Koda being successful, but also the joy he gets from being successful! He gets so excited when I tell him we are going to “school”. Thank you Karen and CPT.

I also did a private lession with Mark and Patricia with my other dog Sadie. Also great tips to work with her dog aggression. She is doing much better than before.

Everyone I have worked with at CPT has been fantastic! So knowledgeable! A great experience for all!

– Laura Ann N. –

I cannot explain in one review how much my dog Bruin was changed in just one private lesson! Bruin is a German shepherd and is extreme excitable, and I was concerned about his leash pulling (and pulling me) when he saw other dogs. After one session, everything was completely solved! I am still working with Bruin on my own, but no longer have any issues controlling him on a leash around other dogs, other people, or in new environments. I am so impressed, and will continue to recommend CPT to everyone I know!

– Rachel S. –

CPT was fantastic. We brought Rocco, our GS puppy there. He learned so much!! He was so well trained that he never needed a leash, didn’t bark, didn’t jump, stayed for long period of time, and still maintained the GS protective traits. You have to do your homework to be successful! Looking forward to bringing our new GS puppy as soon as gets old enough.

– Debbie M. –

Just finished the beginner obedience class with our puppy- had a great time, met some fun people, and learned a lot about how to communicate better with our sweet Josie!

– Mo S. –

I have taken two dogs through the CPT program and have had good results (better if I only practiced more :)). This team of canine experts delivers solid training emphasizing positive reinforcement and fun for the dog. I highly recommend.

– Elizabeth J. –

I have been using CPT for three years to help train a service dog I was raising. I find their facility very convenient and their trainers to be extremely knowledgeable. The company has been very generous to the service dog community, which is greatly appreciated. I am also involved with them training for The Dog Project and with their help, my dog is a successful MRI dog! I highly recommend them for any level of dog training needed.

– Darlene C. –

I have lived in Atlanta for 15 years and have taken all of my dogs to CPT for training. I wouldn’t think of going anywhere else. We have done everything from puppy class to basic obedience to beginner agility. Mark and his staff really know dogs. While many dog trainers treat the different approaches to training like religion (my way or the highway), CPT trainers know that different dogs need different techniques. If a particular approach is not working, they will help you find one that does. CPT strongly favors positive methods, but even within the all-positive school, there are many different ways to implement it. CPT does them all!

– Greg B. –

I have a new dog that we got at the Atlanta Humane Society. She is a bundle of energy most of the time. Willing always to please, and with that comes the energy of crazy! We have started classes for LaCie last month with Mark, and truly after the first session, I saw a difference in her behavior. By the 3rd class, I have a much calmer and obedient 12lb bundle of love, licks, and lots of positive progress in the obedience training. Mark has ” motivated myself, my husband, and LaCie to use techniques that work with positive results! Think I will try agility training next…

– Amy N. –

I have taken both of my dogs to CPT for beginner and intermediate obedience, beginner and intermediate agility, canine good citizen, private lessons, and boarding. I have worked with 4 different trainers (Mark, Patricia, Alex, and Karen) and they are all very knowledgeable and competent. They will recommend different methods or training supplies depending on the dog s personality and temperament to make sure that the appropriate methods are being used to address each dog s different learning abilities. All of the trainers have been willing to stay after class for additional questions. I appreciate that they do not use a single training method on all dogs but instead adapt the training methods needed to the dog-I use different equipment and methods on my dogs who have opposite temperaments (one is very energetic and friendly and the other is very shy). They were also taken care of very well when boarded- they were given ample play time, given baths, and didn’t have to stay in noisy, stressful kennels like at the vet. I have worked with 2 other training companies at different times before I came to CPT and the other companies were very one dimensional and did not come close to matching the quality of training at CPT. Their prices are also very reasonable and well worth it. I highly recommend CPT.

– Ellen G. –

Since 1994, I have been training our dogs with Mark Spivak and CPT–almost 20 years! Mark has guided us through puppy classes, basic obedience, advanced obedience, and now some ground breaking training with Emory University in understanding our dogs’ minds. I have also done agility and competitive agility with other trainers at CPT. I have raised 3 big dogs through the ranks of CPT – each with completely different personalities and therefore needs for different methods of training. Mark is extremely knowledgeable and worked with us on issues until we found the right training method for each dog. I have well trained dogs, in large part, due to Mark’s instruction to me and my family. I have recommended CPT to many, many friends over the years and will continue to do so. It is a top notch program!

– Nicole Z. –

We recently moved to Atlanta and looked to start a new training regime for our 3-year-old American Eskimo, Sunshine, a rescued dog. In her short life so far, various trainers, and friends doubted Sunshine could overcome her extreme insecurity. Mark Spivak evaluated Sunshine and let her into the CPT program immediately. We have worked with Mark and another of his extremely talented staff, Patricia, for only five months now. But the results are astounding. Sunshine is a different dog! She has so much confidence. She still has a road ahead of her, but CPT has, in our eyes, performed something like a miracle in seeing Sunshine’s potential, and in working patiently with us. The rates for individual work and group classes are very reasonable in the hyper-priced arena of dog training. If you are looking for solid dog training, CPT will not disappoint. Sunshine is a living example. Thank you!

– Kathleen R. –

Seven years ago I retired from the Army and adopted a 3 yr old German Shepherd named Bianka. We were having issues with her and my cats, apparently she had never seen a cat before and I was worried about my cats! Mark came to my house and gave me basic rules to follow with her and showed me how to gradually introduce the cats and the dog. It took a few weeks of training for me to feel comfortable with her around the cats. But now, seven years later, I still have my 3 cats and Bianka and all get along just fine. Actually my oldest cat and her snuggle together all the time now! Job well done Mark! I highly recommend him!

– Jana G. –

Reviews From Kudzu.com

I have trained two dogs with them, and they both came out well trained. They have the right approach to training dogs, not only are the dogs trained, but the owners too! That’s important in order to keep your dog trained properly.

I have trained two dogs with them, and they both came out well trained. They have the right approach to training dogs, not only are the dogs trained, but the owners too! That’s important in order to keep your dog trained properly.

My dog and I have completed 2 obedience classes with CPT (beg and intermediate obedience). The classes are taught along a very established curriculum which includes a written description of what you are learning each week and homework. Great to reference even after you complete the course, with details that let you go back and work on any skills you may have forgotten. The trainers use non-threatening methods and positive reinforcement. Their methods are fun and effective. At the beginner level, I learned alot from the other dogs and owners. We all make mistakes – being in a group class you learn from everyone’s experience. The instructor does a great job of sharing what he is thinking and why he handles a situation the way he does – that allows you the student to understand why you are doing something, vs just memorizing what to do. The intermediate class gets more fun, as the exercises get harder and more complex, sometimes with a little competition for fun.

I have been a happy CPT customer for over 10 years. My dog became aggressive with me and I was afraid that I would have to place him with another family. I had an in-home private lesson with one of the CPT trainers who taught me cognitive methods (not using physical force) to gain my dog’s respect and acquire control over him. After that, I signed up for beginner group lessons with Mark Spivak – a genius with animals! It is amazing how quickly he can assess an animal’s temperament, and then tailor his training methods to that particular animal, based on its personality. I saw such an amazing improvement in my dog’s behavior after the beginner class that I signed up for the intermediate class with Mark and realized that my dog had a strong aptitude for obedience training and actually loved it! In fact, I found the group classes and homework assignments to be a fabulous bonding experience for my dog and me. He became a wonderful pet and because it was fun, we continued to train and went on to achieve several obedience titles under Mark’s guidance. I also did board training with Mark, and found the progress my dog made while with Mark was light years beyond what I could have done on my own. I will continue to recommend CPT to my friends and family with highest praise, and I’m excited to start obedience training with my new puppy at CPT!

The owner is great and very knowledgeable. I highly recommend either training classes or boarding training. Your dog will be much more attentive and well-behaved.

Our dog has been through three series of classes and all have been well done. The trainers really know their stuff and the classes are fun for us and the pup. Highly recommended.

Mark, the owner, really cares about you receiving the best training for your particular pet’s needs. I have done boarding training and a basic obedience class. Both were excellent – my Mighty Max responded well to this training. I recommended my brother and his new puppy – they are also doing well in their training too!

We brought our puppy to CPT for basic training and he learned so much! In the first few classes our dog was the trouble maker of the group, but by the time the course was over, he was the most improved pooch there. He learned to sit, lay down, and stay all on command. With expert help from the instructors our dog was obeying our directions without any hesitation! The staff seems to really enjoy working with pets and interacting with the owners. This training school has exactly what dog owners are looking for!

We completed beginner and intermediate obedience with different instructors and have had great results every time. The dogs love it there, too, and learn a lot from the time spent in class.

We took two group classes. They were GREAT. And I’ve been in other group classes at other places in the past.

We used them to train Molly and she really learned alot in the class. Who said you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?

We took our dog to CPT classes when she was a puppy and it really helped. The teachers are great and the basic concepts are easily picked up by most dogs. They are also able to come to your home and help with certain issues you may be having with your pet.

We took our Beagle for Beginner Training and had great success with the program and after 8 weeks we are very happy with the results.

My dog’s behavioral problems have gone away.

– Reviews –

Dear CPT,
Recently we needed to board Lucy, our ten month old Labrador Retriever/Chow Chow mix foundling, for four days. Lucy is sweet tempered, social and very well intentioned. But, although we attended a basic obedience course, I did not spend any time outside of the one hour per week during class to train her to be obedient or easy to live with.

I did not hesitate to arrange to board Lucy with Annette Redner, a CPT trainer who kept Lucy previously during vacation time. Lucy very clearly enjoyed her earlier stay immensely. We liked how she was able to spend time outdoors and in the company of Annette’s pets. After a great deal of thought about the additional investment, we decided to ask Annette to also train Lucy during this stay to respond to the basic obedience commands and (her habit of the greatest social aggravation) to STOP JUMPING ON PEOPLE!

Annete interviewed me thoroughly as we made our arrangements before delivering Lucy so that Annette could have a sense of Lucy’s current behaviors and we would all understand our expectations for the training. Annette was familiar with Lucy and agreed that she should be a good candidate for training. We extended Lucy’s stay with Annette to nine days, and hoped.

We picked Lucy up four days ago. Annette spent almost two hours giving us a course in Dog Psychology 101, including training us to use the appropriate commands at the right times, even how to position ourselves and what not to do. Not only does Lucy now respond to the four basics of Sit, Down, Stay and Come, but at least three others that I can now think of and SHE DOES NOT JUMP ON PEOPLE!

Annette’s training exceeded all of our expectations. Lucy was happy when we picked her up and obviously had been treated with kindness and love during her stay. Of course, we knew we must continue to practice with Lucy and use the knowledge that Annette gave us. We have enrolled again in CPT’s eight week basic obedience course that is included in our price for a board train. I would not hesitate to recommend CPT’s programs and Annette Redner in particular. You and she may certainly use me or this letter as a reference.

Very truly yours,

– Debra C. –

Dear CPT,
Thank you so much for helping our family with the training (and understanding) of Chevas and Jackson. Chevas has greatly improved in the past year and, thanks to your help and training, he is the best dog I have ever had. Jack is still learning, but improving quickly. I look forward to eventually titling both of our dogs in competition obedience.

I want to also thank Mark for the private lesson on aggression. David and I have been working on both dogs with the aggression problems we have been experiencing and they seem to be working well.

CPT is a great place and I am thankful that I came upon it. David and I are so pleased with the results we have gained from CPT training and we will highly recommend it to anyone who wishes to take their dog through obedience classes.

Have a great holiday and we look forward to seeing you next year!

– Vicky K. –

Dear CPT,
I am writing you this letter on behalf of the wonderful service I received from Mr. Lee Mischiara. I spoke to Lee over the phone and discussed the situation that I have with my special dog, Java. He was extremely professional on the phone. He offered some terrific advice while I was talking to him. After speaking to Lee at length about Java, I had decided that I wanted Lee to come and help me train Java. Java is the kind of dog that requires one-on-one attention; he does not get along with other dogs or people. Lee and I worked together to set up a time on a weekly basis that was best for everyone. Lee came over every Saturday for eight straight weeks.

Lee was incredible! Java really took to Lee. Lee not only informed me on the correct way to train Java, but some changes I had to make in order to train Java. Everything Lee told me to do worked! I now understand that training a dog also requires the owner to make changes in his or her behavior, because without knowing it I was partially to blame for Java’s behavior.

Well, after the eight weeks of training were over Java was a different dog. I have worked on everything Lee has told me, and I am very pleased with the results. Thanks to Lee, Java is now the dog I always knew he could be.

I have told everyone I know how wonderful Lee and Comprehensive Pet Therapy is. I will continue to sing the praises of your training program.

Sincerely,

– Rebecca B. –

Dear CPT,
Tom and I want to let you know what a great job we feel your trainer, Patricia McDonnell, has done with our dog Lucy.

As you are aware, Lucy exhibited a lot of fear aggression towards people prior to her week at “doggie camp” with Patricia. While she is not yet 100% trained, we are totally amazed at the difference in her. She is a different dog, much better than we had hoped for.

We actually cringed while writing the check for her boarding training, but we are so thankful we made the decision to do this.

Please tell your clients not to give up on their fear-aggressive animals before trying the boarding training – even 1 week can make a huge difference.

Thanks again to Patricia, Karen, and you for helping us keep our dog and our sanity!

Sincerely,

– Elyse & Tom C. –