Tuesday, April 24, 2007

The Real Reason Dogs Roll

Here's an interesting tidbit from the latest Iams newsletter:

The real reason dogs roll

It's an all-too-familiar story: You're at the lake with the dog. Suddenly he disappears into some reeds by the shore. You hurry to investigate, but alas, you're too late. He's already happily rolling in the foulest-smelling fish carcass imaginable.

So why do dogs do it? Why do they love to roll in anything foul?

The answer lies with their wolf ancestors. For eons, wolves have been rolling to mask their scent as they stalk prey. Unfortunately for us, this primal instinct lives on in most dogs today.

For most rollers, anything dead will do, especially fish. Bird poop is a big player in the doggie perfume world, as is another dog's poop and yes, your neighbor's rotting garbage.

Now that we know why dogs roll, the next challenge is to keep them from doing it. Start by using a scentless shampoo. Dogs tend to want to mask any unnatural odors. Next, be vigilant when you're outdoors. Look for the telltale signs that he's on to something awful: first, he noses a spot, sniffing it furiously. Then he circles the spot a few times, eyeing it the entire time. Finally, he dips his shoulder and dives right in.

A sharp word to your dog will usually stop him before he starts. But if your buddy does get a roll or two in, don't punish him. After all, it's just a dog's natural instinct. Or should we say, instink!

Monday, April 23, 2007

Woof!


Did you get our latest monthly email newsletter Woof! today? If not, sign up here and learn the latest poop going down at Gemini Dogs! :)

Sunday, April 22, 2007

We're Sunny Gemini Dogs!

The doggies took advantage of the warm and sunny weather yesterday by romping it up! Here are Jake, Mickey, Casey, and Lexie having some fun.


Jake says, "Yay! The sun is out! Spring is finally here!"




"Wait for me!" Mickey joins the action.




Casey leads the way.




Casey and Lexie trade gossip by the water cooler.


Tessa and Dash

Sister and brother Tessa and Dash played some ball yesterday.

Tessa takes a sip.




Tessa smells something. What is it?




Dash says, "Put down that camera and throw the ball, why don't you!"




Dash got his wish!


Friday, April 20, 2007

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

We're Gemini Dogs!

Tyler, Smokey, and Sunny


Sunny



Sally






Patrick



Sunday, April 15, 2007

Sdao Workshop Photos

About 50 dog lovers braved the rainy and cold weather this weekend to attend Kathy Sdao's workshop at Gemini Dogs. Thanks for coming!

































I'm a Gemini Dog!

It's school vacation week and we are ready for all of our guests! Here's one of our first arrivals, Bruno. Check back again as we post more pictures of your babies!

Friday, April 13, 2007

Weekend Classes & Rentals Postponed

Just a reminder that all weekend classes and ring rentals are postponed this week due to the Kathy Sdao seminar. You should come to the seminar instead, but if not we'll see you next week!

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Gemini Dogs Welcomes Kathy Sdao This Weekend!

Gemini Dogs is very happy to host Cues & Behavior Chains Explained, a workshop with Kathy Sdao, this weekend, put on by Dogs of Course. Although registration is closed, walk-ins are welcome. Click for more information.

Welcome back Kathy and Dana. We look forward to another fun and educational weekend!

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Friday, April 06, 2007

Sunday Night Agility Is Over Until Summer

The Winter session of Sunday Night Agility has ended. Thank you to everyone that helped make it a success, especially Harriet Rodman who ran each session. It was great to see everyone and their dogs working off the winter doldrums! Good luck in the upcoming agility season!

Since there was so much interest, we plan on offering the same thing in our outdoor agility field once the snow melts and the weather warms up. Stay tuned!

Thursday, April 05, 2007

CGC Test Tonight!

Don't forget! We are offering CGC testing tonight at 7PM.

Does your dog have what it takes to be called a Canine Good Citizen? Take the test and find out! Go here for info on the CGC test.

Wednesday, April 04, 2007

Something New for You

We are trying out a new calendar feature for our website that we'd like you to test and give your opinion on. Let us know what you think and if it is useful!

Good and bad opinions --- we can take it! See it here. Thanks!

Monday, April 02, 2007

Congratulations Bridget!

Let's hear it for Bridget Desroches for becoming the sixth Gemini Dogs instructor to earn her Certified Pet Dog Trainers (CPDT) certification! Great job, Bridget! This is a very huge deal since few dog professionals attain this certification.

A staff member since 2001, Bridget started instructing in 2005, is an AKC-certified Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluator, and is a member of the APDT. She and her Border Collies train in competitive canine disc and are members of the Blue Dog Group, an exhibition group.

Here's one of Bridget's dogs, Gromit, during a canine disc demo:


Bridget joins our other CPDT-certified trainers Carolyn Barney, Paul Emerson, Jean McCord, Sally Garrod, and Jan Fulton.

A CPDT-certified trainer is one who has met eligibility requirements and has successfully demonstrated his or her knowledge by passing the certification exam. To meet eligibility requirements, candidate trainers must have:

  • At least 300 hours experience in dog training within the last five years
  • A high school diploma or equivalent
  • One reference each from a veterinarian, a client, and a professional colleague.

Knowledge of dog behavior and application of training techniques are assessed in the following content areas:

  • Learning theory
  • Instruction skills
  • Husbandry
  • Ethology
  • Equipment
Certified Pet Dog Trainers maintain their credential through continuing education by attending workshops, conferences, and hands-on seminars for professional dog trainers. This continuing education requirement ensures that Certified Pet Dog Trainers are knowledgeable about the most current thinking, research, and techniques in the field.