Does Your Dog Want to Be Petted?
Updated: July 5, 2024
Here are ways to tell if your dog enjoys being petted, including how to do a consent test. This is especially important for child and dog interactions.
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: July 5, 2024
Here are ways to tell if your dog enjoys being petted, including how to do a consent test. This is especially important for child and dog interactions.
Read MoreUpdated: July 5, 2024
Should you hire a pet sitter for your dog or board them? What you decide depends on your dog. Consider these questions to find a sitter you can trust.
Read MoreUpdated: October 11, 2025
Keep your dog safe at night with these top-rated light-up dog collars, harnesses, and leashes, plus walking safety tips for nighttime.
Read MoreUpdated: October 13, 2025
Learn the signs of dog dementia and treatment options for your dog. While there is no cure, there are ways to slow progression and improve quality of life.
Read MoreUpdated: February 12, 2024
Discover how to find the right dog groomer and how to help dogs who hate being groomed. Make grooming a stress-free and positive experience for your dog.
Read MoreUpdated: February 20, 2025
Should you take your puppy to the dog park? Are dog parks good or bad? Learn about the risks and what to do to keep your dog happy and safe at the dog park
Read MoreUpdated: May 21, 2025
Learn how much exercise your dog needs to keep them happy and healthy. Expert tips on tailoring an exercise plan for your dog's age, breed, and size.
Read MoreUpdated: May 21, 2024
Playing this easy pattern game teaches your dog to heel, prevents leash pulling, helps your dog ignore distractions, and helps leash reactivity training
Read MoreUpdated: September 9, 2025
Your puppy will become a teenager at 6 months old, and the adolescent brain presents quite a few changes and challenges. Learn how to survive this stage.
Read MoreUpdated: February 12, 2024
If your dog is shy or fearful when meeting new people, the treat retreat dog training game can help build their confidence and make introductions safer.
Read More