Philadelphia, PA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 03/17/2016 -- A recent episode of the popular Cesar 911 — a National Geographic show centered on dog training and rehabilitation by "Dog Whisperer" Cesar Millan — is stirring up controversy due to an incident that occurred during a training exercise between a dog and a pig.

During the segment the dog, whose aggressive behavior towards pigs was the focus of Millan's training, bit a pig, drawing blood. An animal rights activist who saw the episode is pursuing charges of animal cruelty. Millan is denying these charges, claiming that it was a hiccup in a process that ultimately resulted in the rehabilitation of the dog — a claim that has yet to be independently verified.

If an incident such as this can occur during training by a world-famous "expert," what kind of safety standards are everyday dog trainers following? How can the average dog owner ensure the safety and well being of a misbehaving dog?

Right now in the U.S., anyone who wants to work with dogs can call themselves a dog trainer or behaviorist. Specific training isn't necessary, and accreditation is not required.

Bradley Phifer, President of the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers speaks about the dangers of this situation, saying that "viewers are only shown an edited segment of his entire process, and undoubtedly this segment is meant to drive ratings, however, Mr. Millan has long been criticized by dog training and behavior professionals for his archaic techniques. This incident demonstrates why certification standards are important; they ensure that professionals have demonstrated a level of knowledge and adherence to a code of ethics."

Phifer added that "professional dog trainers have the responsibility to not only train the dog, but to do so in a manner that does not create a safety risk to the public (or other animals). The CCPDT's Humane Hierarchy serves to guide its certificants, and other dog training professionals, in their decision-making process during dog training and behavior modification. Additionally, it assists the public in understanding the standard of care that should be applied by dog training and behavior professionals when determining the order of implementation for training practices and methodologies."

With this system of standards and training in place, CCPDT hopes to improve the lives of both dogs and their families, while minimizing the risk of safety and ethical violations during training and behavior modification exercises.

About CCPDT
The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) is the leading accredited independent certifying organization for the dog training and behavior profession. The CCPDT leads in the development of rigorous exams to demonstrate mastery of humane, science-based dog training practices. Thousands of dog training professionals worldwide maintain the CCPDT's certifications as a mark of high professional distinction. The organization is dedicated to providing professional standards that support and promote excellence in the dog training and behavior profession, and seeks to connect dog owners with trained, knowledgeable and certified trainers who have been provided with professional credentials through our examination processes.

You can find out more about the CCPDT and their exams at their website, http://www.ccpdt.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Alexandra Golazsewska
Alexandra Go, LLC
alexandra@alexandrago.com
215-837-8870

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Offering clients a full menu of creative services via its connected community of industry talent.

Philadelphia, PA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 03/16/2016 -- Rally, a creative agency, specialty coffee shop and event space, has opened at 701 S 7th Street, at the corner of 7th and Bainbridge, in Philadelphia's Bella Vista neighborhood.

Rally will be open daily, offering a communal space for drop-in customers, as well as tables that can be reserved in advance for co-working and meetings. The staff can also help plan and coordinate special events in the 1,000 square-foot space.

"Rally is a place creative types can connect, collaborate and incubate new brands," says co-founder Meredith Waldman, an ad agency and creative services veteran. "We believe that if you can get the right people behind the littlest idea it can grow into the next big thing."

Rally has teamed up with Lancaster's Passenger Coffee, and will offer a full menu of expertly made coffees, teas and other drinks. A daily assortment of freshly baked pastries and other items will round out the shop's offerings.

On the other side of the bar, Rally will offer clients a full menu of creative services via its connected community of industry talent. Waldman, a longtime marketing professional who has worked with Heineken USA, Art in the Age and Spruce Street Real Estate, is available to help assemble customized teams on a per-project, per-client basis.

"By connecting our best-in-class talent with clients, we can optimize resources to deliver innovative –– and cost-effective –– branding services", Waldman said.

Rally is open weekdays from 7 AM to 6 PM, and weekends from 8 AM to 5 PM.

Learn more about us at HeyRally.com or stop by, say "Hi!" and have a coffee on us.

Check us out on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as well!

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Meredith Waldman
Co-founder
meredith@heyrally.com
Alexandra Golazsewska
Alexandra Go, LLC
alexandra@alexandrago.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm