Update: AKC Obedience Competition & CGC/Therapy Dog Courses

Since Paul's dog was busy having puppies last week, we had to postpone these classes. See below for the new dates and times.

• CGC and Therapy Dog Prep Course (Starts tomorrow Thursday, March 1 at 7PM) Focuses on practicing and perfecting the CGC Test Items. The CGC is a certification program that is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. The Canine Good Citizen Program is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. To receive the CGC certificate, dogs must pass a 10-item Canine Good Citizen Test. All dogs who pass the CGC test will receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club and will be automatically recorded in the AKC's Canine Good Citizen Archive. (more)

• Intro to AKC Obedience Competition (Starts next Thursday, March 8 at 8PM) Equips the dog-handler team to compete at AKC Obedience Trails in the Novice Class to earn an AKC Companion Dog Title (CD). The class focuses on teamwork and smooth transition from skill to skill. Along with individual skills, there will be run-thrus to simulate what will be expected of teams when competing at a match or an actual obedience trial. This is a Gemini Dogs clicker class. (more)

Dogs on Vacation

With school vacation week hitting much of MA and NH this week, Doggie Daycare and Boarding has been very busy! Here are a few happy guests who've been relaxing at Gemini Dogs this week.

Don't worry, Mom and Dad, they're all having a great time and can't wait to see you when you get back!

Did Your Dog Make the List?

According to a pet insurance company, "Max" is the nation's most popular pet name. They surveyed their 300,000-plus policyholders for the results. Who knows how true the results are, but it's still kind of fun!

Did your dog's name make the list?

Top 10 Male Pet Names

1. Max
2. Buddy
3. Jake
4. Rocky
5. Bailey
6. Buster
7. Cody
8. Charlie
9. Bear
10. Jack

Top 10 Female Pet Names

1. Molly
2. Maggie
3. Daisy
4. Lucy
5. Sadie
6. Ginger
7. Chloe
8. Bailey
9. Sophie
10. Zoe

Who knows the name of Mad Max's dog? Email or post the answer in a comment below -- I really don't know!

Labs! Labs! Labs!

Can you tell who's who in this group of Yellow Labs? We sure can't! ;-)

Say Cheese!

Congratulations to Gemini Dogs official photographer, Chris Otte, on winning the Currier Museum of Art Award for his photograph, Light Spill. Good job, Chris!

Chris has photographed a few Gemini Dogs agility events, our Howl-o-ween Festival, and has done a number of doggie potraits for our customers.

• Events and portraits
• His other photography

Happy Valentine's Day!

It's was a great day at daycare today! We had several visitors during this snowy, lazy day and the dogs that showed up had a wonderful time romping in the snow and running in the indoor training room. Some of them have even cuddled up on our laps!

And in celebration of Valentine's Day, all the Gemini Dogs were busy creating gift bags for each other. Each dog chose their own special friend to send a Valentine to, and we helped them by wrapping up their toys and heart-shaped treats in a pawprint bag with a pretty bow.

Your dog can pick up his Valentine when he returns to daycare! :>)

All Classes Canceled for Wed, Feb 14

Please check back on Thursday for info about Thursday classes.

Doggie daycare and boarding is open though! We never close!

Westminster Kennel Club Winners

Check out the Westminster Kennel Club website for a bunch of breed judging videos from this year's show. Unfortunately each video is preceded by a commercial.

Some other results:

• Best of breed list
• Group results
  

Weather-Related Postponements

Looks like snow and sleet are finally coming Tuesday night and Wednesday. We will keep an eye on the forecast and let you know which classes, if any, are canceled. Check back for updates.

If you are uncertain about if the weather will affect your class, please call us at (978) 486-9922 and listen for a recorded message. In the event that your class is canceled, we will add a week to the end of your session.

Daycare will be open snow or no snow!

Sunday Night Agility Tonight!

Don't forget, Sunday nights are Agility nights at Gemini Dogs! $10 a dog gets you two hours of unlimited agility run-thrus. See you there! 6:30pm-8:30pm. (more details)

Now, every Sunday!

Raise the Roof!

This weekend John and Penny worked on finishing the small dog romper room next to the Daycare. They still have a few things to finish, but it's looking good so far. We're still looking for a snazzy name for this room, so send us your suggestions!

Winter Pet Safety Tips

We want to make sure that all Gemini Dogs have a safe and warm winter, so please take a peek at these pet winter tips courtesy of the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency:


Do not leave your pet outdoors when temperatures drops below freezing
Dogs need outdoor exercise, but take care not to keep them outdoors for lengthy periods of time during very cold weather. Short-coated dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater during walks. Dogs and cats are safer indoors in all sorts of extreme weather.


Antifreeze and de-icing chemicals can be hazardous
Antifreeze has a sweet taste that can attract animals. Always store antifreeze out of reach and clean up spills. Antifreeze made with propylene glycol can actually be swallowed in small amounts and not injure pets, wildlife or humans. De-icing chemicals, including salt, can irritate the pads of your pet’s feet. Wipe your pet’s feet with a damp towel after coming indoors, even if salt on sidewalks is not visible.


Wind-chill is a threat to pets, even those protected by shelters
Outdoor dogs must be protected by a dry, draft-free doghouse that is large enough to allow the dog to both sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to retain body heat. The floor should be elevated a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The entrance of the doghouse should be turned to face away from prevailing winds, and the entrance should be covered with a flap of heavy waterproof fabric or heavy plastic.


Pets who spend a greater amount of time outdoors in the winter need more food
Maintaining warmth depletes energy. Routinely check your pet’s water dish to ensure the water is fresh and not frozen. To prevent your pet’s tongue from freezing to a metal bowl, plastic, rather than metal food and water bowls are preferred.


Be leery of frozen bodies of water
Always keep your pets on a leash when walking them near suspected frozen bodies of water. The ice may not be sturdy enough to support your pet. If a pet falls through the ice do not attempt to rescue your pet yourself. Go for help.


Warm automobile engines are dangerous for cats and small wildlife
Parked vehicles can attract small animals, which may crawl under the hood seeking warmth. To avoid injuring hiding animals, bang on your car’s hood to scare them off before starting your engine.

For additional information about keeping your pets safe, visit the State of Massachusetts Animal Response Team website.

I'm a Fashionable Gemini Dog!

The cold weather has brought out some snazzy winter outfits this week. How cute!