About Rising Star Dog Training

Rising Star Dog Training describes itself as "a Wake County dog training company serving Cary, Raleigh, Apex, Holly Springs and more," working in-home. It is run by John D Visconti, who states he has held the CPDT-KA credential "for over 13 years" and is a Maxwell Award winning author – Reference Book of the Year, 2015.

The method, spelled out

This business is more explicit about methodology than most. It states that "positive reinforcement training methods yield much faster, more powerful, and longer lasting results without the risk of unintended negative consequences that often accompany correction/punishment based methods," and it goes further, advising owners to "be wary of trainers who obfuscate their methods by being hazy, using terms such as 'natural' or 'balanced' methods. At minimum, you're entitled to know a trainer's methodology." On the credential itself the site explains what it requires: knowledge testing by "the only independent certification council in the world," continuing education credits, and living by the council's code of ethics.

What it works on

The published problem list is jumping up, digging, nuisance barking, chewing, pulling on walks, unreliable recall and possessiveness over food, objects or locations, plus puppy work and behavior modification in adult dogs. The trainer also holds a Licensed Family Paws Educator license, aimed at "families achieve safety and a calm life with toddlers and dogs" and at expecting parents preparing before the baby comes home. The business lists referrals from several Cary and Raleigh veterinary practices and the NC State Veterinary College.