Media Center

Welcome to the CCPDT Media Center where we showcase news from and about CCPDT and media coverage of our certificants.

Media Inquiries

We’re here to help! If you would like to speak with a member of CCPDT’s executive team or a member of our certificant community, please email or call our offices at info@ccpdt.org or
(855) 362-3784. Our community of experts can provide insight into a wide variety of topics related to dog training and behavior modification.

CCPDT in the News

Successors: WVU Alum Trains Dogs for U.S. Ambassador

CCPDT board member and treasurer, Elizabeth Mullen, recently traveled to Warsaw to help transition Ambassador Mark Brzezinski’s German Shepherd, Teddy, to his new home at the U.S. Embassy in Poland. Using the latest science on canine cognition and behavior, Elizabeth can “listen” to the dogs she trains through their body language and talk back to them using behavior modification and positive reinforcement. She also trains dog owners to pay attention to their pets’ behavior so that they know what to do and more importantly, sometimes, what not to do. Elizabeth holds both the CPDT-KA and CBCC-KA certifications.

By WVU Magazine

It’s never too late to train your dog. These 6 tips can help you get started.

No matter the case — whether you adopted a dog during the pandemic, recently brought a puppy home from the breeder, or have had your dog for years — all dogs can benefit from training throughout their lives. Hear from experts like Kim Brophey, CPDT-KA, who uses a framework called L.E.G.S (learning, environment, genetics, self) to explain dog behavior. If what you need is a solid list of positive reinforcement trainers or balanced trainers in your area, a good place to start is with lists compiled by various professional associations, including CCPDT.

By Samantha Balaban & Janet Lee, NPR

4 Best Dog Breed DNA Kits to Reveal Your Pup’s Ancestry

Get insight into your mixed-breed pup’s unique background with dog genetic testing from a dog DNA test kit. Dog DNA test kit results can help you understand your dog’s personality and maybe even explain the reasons behind some of its weird behaviors. “Knowing breed tendencies will aid in the development of management, exercise, and training plans,” says Brad Phifer, executive director of the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers.

By Lisa Marie Conklin, Reader’s Digest

While dogs can bring joy, let’s be honest: they’re also a lot of work. To have a dog is to care for a living creature and all the responsibilities involved. When you’re heading out for a trip or going to work, it’s only natural to wonder how to meet your furry friend’s needs while you’re away. Inverse spoke with four pet experts about leaving dogs at home, including CCPDT Executive Director Bradley Phifer.

By Tara Yarlagadda, INVERSE

To give a voice to dog training professionals across the U.S. regarding the adoption of dog trainer licensing legislation, APDT and CCPDT created The Alliance for Professionalism in Dog Training to advocate for the advancement of dog training as a profession. In support of this effort, we have launched a new Alliance website, where you can review the Model Legislation on Licensure of Dog Trainers, read the FAQs, and volunteer to be a local advocate. We encourage you to send your feedback and questions to feedback@prodogtraineralliance.org so we can consider your input as we move forward.

By CCPDT Board of Directors

The pandemic has had striking effects on the $8.1 billion pet industry with dog trainers turning to video sessions to work with pets and their owners. CCPDT Executive Director Bradley Phifer weighs in on the use of virtual training among CCPDT certified professionals.

By John Hanc, The New York Times

In this episode of her Drinking from the Toilet podcast, Hannah speaks with Bradley Phifer, executive director of CCPDT, to discuss the process of certifying professional dog trainers and the advantages of certification. Brad shares where the CCPDT stands on regulation in the training industry, why, and what they are doing about it.

By Hannah Branigan, Drinking from the Toilet: Real Dogs, Real Training Podcast

As CCPDT celebrates its 20th anniversary and nears 5,000 certified dog training professionals around the world, Bradley Phifer, executive director of the CCPDT, discusses the future of the industry. Brad talks about the significance of CCPDT’s credentials in an unregulated industry, model legislation for consumer protection, and the extensive experience range among CCPDT’s certified dog professionals.

By The Modern Dog Trainer Podcast

The 8 Best Online Dog Training Certification Programs of 2020

One of the most well-known online certification exams is the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. Though not an online class, this certification exam allows you to take assessments to prove your abilities after you’ve completed your online training courses. The test is highly marketable and well-respected in the industry, so it’s a great way to stand out against the competition and help your clients feel confident in your dog training skills.

By Ashley Knierim, The Spruce Pets

Meet the Team of Dogs Rescuing Koalas Injured in Australia’s Fires

Watch Steve Austin, CCPDT board member, and his three special canines, Tommy, Emma and Becky, as they searched scorched land for injured but still living koalas.

By CBS News

The Best Dog Breeds for Apartment and Condo Living

CCPDT board member Beth Mullen shares her recommendations for breeds that thrive in smaller quarters—and the good reasons why.

By Zee Krstic, MarthaStewart.com

 

Most dogs could benefit from working with a trainer. We have some tips for finding someone who will work with what you and your pet need.

By Kaitlyn Wells, The New York Times

 

CCPDT Certificants in the News

Let us share your good news! To submit articles, webcasts, blog posts, videos, or other media sources where you have been featured*, email the link to info@ccpdt.org.

The 11 Best No-Pull Dog Harnesses, According to Pet Experts

Choosing the best no-pull dog harness for your pup is one of the smartest and safest decisions a pet owner can make. Professional dog trainers agree that the best no-pull dog harness only supplements training. But not every dog owner has access to a professional for help. Find out what CCPDT certified dog trainers Jane Hadfield, Beth Hrnciar, Sassafras Lowrey, Dianna L. Stearns, and Mary Swinyer selected as their top picks for no-pull dog harnesses.

By Amy Shojai, CABC, Reader’s Digest

The Human-Animal Bond: Easing Anxiety for Our Dogs & Ourselves

We know social connections are critical to our personal well-being, and the same holds true for our dogs. They, like us, are a social and cooperative species and, also like us, require social interactions. According to Matthew D. Lieberman in his book, Social, the mammalian brain “[has] evolved to experience threats to social connections the same way they experience physical pain.”

By Vivian Zottola, The Bark

Experts Advise Pet Owners to Start Planning Now to Prevent Separation Anxiety Post-Quarantine

To avoid putting your pet in distress, and to protect your home from destructive behavior, Janelle Metiva, CPDT-KA, a dog behavior specialist at Best Friends Animal Society in Los Angeles, has created a plan to help pet owners prepare their dogs for the time when humans start to transition back to pre-quarantine life.

By Kelli Bender, People.com

Fostering a Pet During the Coronavirus Pandemic? We Tried Virtual Dog Training for a New Pup

Ian Stone, CPDT-KA, of Simpawtico Dog Training helps a first time dog foster through the basics.

By Sheila Cosgrove Baylis, People.com


*Please note that only independent third-party publications will be listed. We do not publish or link to articles from your own blog or company newsletter.


“Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers®”, “CCPDT®”, “CPDT-KA®”, CPDT-KSA®”, and “CBCC-KA®” are registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.