What to Do When Approached By An Off-Leash Dog
Updated: March 26, 2025
Having a loose off-leash dog run at you and your dog can be a scary experience. Learn what to do and how to prepare so you and your dog stay safe.
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: March 26, 2025
Having a loose off-leash dog run at you and your dog can be a scary experience. Learn what to do and how to prepare so you and your dog stay safe.
Read MoreUpdated: November 18, 2025
Learn how to teach your dog to be alone to prevent separation anxiety, build confidence, and reduce stress. Do these exercises with your new puppy or dog.
Read MoreUpdated: November 11, 2022
Quick facts and tips about how to collect your dog's poop sample and take it to your vet.
Read MoreUpdated: July 5, 2024
Want to sign your dog up for a dog daycare near you? Here's what to ask and look for to choose the right dog daycare so your dog stays safe and enjoys daycare
Read MoreUpdated: May 27, 2021
A dog's Emergency Recall is different from a regular come-when-called. It could save their life and you can teach it in 4 easy steps - learn how to start!
Read MoreUpdated: May 29, 2025
See how to stop your dog from bolting out the front door and into the street with simple safety precautions and easy dog training exercises.
Read MoreUpdated: October 13, 2025
A daily routine is important not only for puppies but also to prevent issues such as separation anxiety. Here's how to introduce a routine to your dog.
Read MoreUpdated: October 26, 2025
There are lots of different kinds of dog crates. Learn how to measure the size, and check out the pros and cons of plastic kennels, metal crates, and more.
Read MoreUpdated: October 20, 2025
Learn how to prevent your dog from putting their paws on the kitchen counter or the dinner table, and what to teach them to do instead of counter surfing.
Read MoreUpdated: August 14, 2024
Tips from a certified dog trainer to help your dog if they missed early socialization. It's not too late to help your dog feel more confident and less anxious.
Read More