Should You Pluck Your Dog's Ear Hair?
Updated: August 7, 2024
Plucking a dog's ear hair isn't always necessary. Learn about whether you should pluck your dog's ears, how to do it, and alternatives to plucking.
Read More
Cathy Madson, MA, FDM, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA
As Preventive Vet's dog behavior expert and lead trainer at Pupstanding Academy, Cathy focuses on helping humans and their pets build a strong relationship based on trust, clear communication, and the use of positive reinforcement and force-free methods. With over 13 years of experience, she has had the opportunity to work with hundreds of dogs on a wide variety of training and behavior issues. Beyond her one-on-one consultations through Pupstanding Academy, she also teaches group dog training classes at Seattle Humane. Her specialties include dog aggression, resource guarding, separation anxiety, and puppy socialization.
Cathy is a certified Family Dog Mediator, and certified through the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers, holding both the CPDT-KA and CBCC-KA designations. Cathy is a Fear Free Certified Certified Professional, a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, the Pet Professional Guild, and the Dog Writer's Association of America. She has also completed the Aggression in Dogs Master Course.
When she's not geeking out about dogs, you can find her reading, hiking with her two Cardigan Welsh Corgis, or paddleboarding.
Updated: August 7, 2024
Plucking a dog's ear hair isn't always necessary. Learn about whether you should pluck your dog's ears, how to do it, and alternatives to plucking.
Read MoreUpdated: November 26, 2024
Did you come across a lost or stray dog? Here's what you should do to try and find their owner and reunite them with their family.
Read MoreUpdated: November 18, 2025
Get ready to hit the hiking trails with your dog! Read about how to prepare your dog and what to pack so your hiking adventures stay safe and fun for all.
Read MoreUpdated: October 11, 2025
Mats and knots in fur are painful for your dog and hard to brush out. Here are tips on how to prevent mats and what to do when your dog's coat is matted.
Read MoreUpdated: May 8, 2025
Learn how to properly brush your dog's coat based on fur type and what grooming tools are the easiest and best to use. Tips for double-coated and more.
Read MoreUpdated: November 24, 2025
Looking to find the best collar for your dog or puppy to wear? Check out the different types and learn how to help your puppy adjust to wearing a collar.
Read MoreUpdated: November 18, 2022
Learn how to teach your dog to leave things alone with these easy steps! This cue could save your dog's life and keep them from eating inappropriate items.
Read MoreUpdated: May 22, 2024
Easily teach your dog to Drop It on cue. This training cue is essential for keeping your dog safe in case they get a hold of a dangerous or toxic item.
Read MoreUpdated: December 5, 2023
Learn how to teach your dog to get in and out of a boat safely, go to a designated spot on the boat, and how to come when called while swimming.
Read MoreUpdated: August 2, 2023
Taking your dog on your boat is a blast! See what you'll need to train and what supplies to pack to make sure everyone has fun and stays safe on the water.
Read More