Patrick

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

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.

Spring Is Here! Get A Snazzy New Shirt!

We are ordering a new batch of snazzy Gemini Dogs shirts this week. If you'd like your very own, email John with your shirt type, color, size, and complete contact info by Sunday, April 1, 6PM.

They're available in dark purple, dark red, and navy in both long and short sleeve ($20/$15). S, M, L, XL.

Lucky the Zooming Corgi

We received this touching note from Pat Wimmers this week:

Dear Folks at Gemini,

About a year and a half ago I was faced with training my very stubborn corgi to use a set of 'Eddies Wheels'. I called you seeking help and you really came through for me and Lucky. I think it was Paul that spent an evening with us, giving us tips and helping me work with Lucky. I was even allowed to use some space to practice as winter was not making it easy.

I just thought I would let you know that Lucky is now gone - but he had a great year zooming around being a typical corgi. Thank you so much for giving us the help we needed - maybe there will be a puppy coming to Gemini classes one of these days.

Pat Wimmers

Border Collies at Work

It's that time of year again when those pesky geese need a reminder to go home! (from boston.com)

Dogs to herd geese from Central Park
March 26, 2007

NEW YORK --City officials will use border collies to drive geese away from Central Park's lawns and meadows next month.

A Howell, N.J., company, Geese Police Inc., employs dog handlers who are educated on the behavior of Canada geese and their migratory, nesting and breeding habits. The collies, bred to herd sheep, have a natural instinct to round up geese.

The Geese Police pilot program, funded by the New York City's Department of Parks and Recreation and the Central Park Conservancy management organization, will last through April.

As with all wildlife that inhabit or migrate through city parkland, Canada geese are protected from hunting and attack by humans, parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe said Monday. But their increasing presence can damage grass and leave parks fouled by droppings, Benepe said.

"The Geese Police pilot project is an innovative and humane effort to manage the growing geese population in Central Park," he said.

It's a Boy... and Another Boy!

Hooray! Chocolate Lab Jib now has two new brothers (of the human variety)! Congratulations to Jared and Laurie Butson on the birth of their twin boys, Max and Miles Butson.

Flyball Action!

Sunday is Flyball Day at Gemini Dogs! Starting early in the morning and running through late afternoon, our large training room is nothing but running, barking, happy dogs practicing the fastest-growing dog sport in the land! Learn more about flyball and sign up for a class!

I'm a Gemini Dog!

We had a fun group of boarding guests this weekend. Here are a few of them!

Spenser



Bruno and Lulu

Lulu

Bruno

Treats for the Staff!

The Girl Scouts came to Gemini Dogs Doggie Daycare recently, well at least their cookies did! YUM!! A delicious thank you for the peanut butter cookies goes to a handsome Great Dane named Lucas Perkins. His mom Maria said it was all his idea.

Kona, an Austrailian Shepherd, and her mom Donna also tempted us with the traditional chocolate thin mint cookies. They didn't see the light of day! :-) Thank you!

Erin Go Bark!

Happy St. Patrick's Day, especially to Gemini Dogs Irish Wolfhound Harry Cavanaugh, (student and daycare dog), Kerry Blue Terriers Isobel and Baily Fulmer (overnight boarders), and Seamus O’Reilly (groomer Liisa's Standard Poodle)!

Update: Here are a few more Irish Gemini Dogs: Golden Retriever Oscar Lunn, Newfie Ceilidh Passmore, and Bernese Mountain Dog Seamus Ricca.

Can you name any Irish dog breeds, famous Irish dogs, or celebrities with Irish dogs? Email me your answers and I'll add them to the list. Here are a few to get you started:

Irish Wolfhound



Kerry Blue Terrier

Irish Red and White Setter

Irish Setter

Irish Terrier

Irish Water Spaniel

Visitors From Jersey

We had some special visitors stop by Gemini Dogs Saturday. Jodi and her four Border Collies were on their way back to New Jersey after picking up their latest rescue pup, Skid, from a rescue group in New Hampshire.

They stretched their legs in one of our training rooms before heading home and we're very happy that we could accommodate them. Anytime. guys!

Looking Good!

What a difference a day at the Gemini Dogs Spa makes! Tyler came to Daycare today in need of a wash and some detangling of his long thick hair.

Our new groomer Liisa said "No problem!" and poof, Tyler looks like a brand-new boy!

Other customers have also noticed what a great job Liisa has been been doing and her schedule is filling fast, so make your grooming reservation now!

We offer baths, nail trimming, ear cleaning, trims, and shaves.

Overheard In Daycare...

A few days ago, Kim W. came through the Doggie Daycare door being pulled by her tiny pooch, Baylee. "Baylee couldn't wait to get here today! She pulled me right in!" she said. We love hearing stories like that! :)

Rumor has it that even when Kim has a day off, Baylee still asks to go to "school" by running over to the door and excitedly asking Mom to go! And most of the time, Kim takes her in. Lucky dog!

I'm a Gemini Dog!

Heidi

Scout and Zam

Morrigan Plays Some Ball

Read All About It!

We been featured in another newspaper article, this time the Littleton Independent! Thanks for writing about us, Debra!

• Read the article
  

Chasse Says Thank You!

We got a great note from Erin Neagu O'Donnell recently telling us how much Gemini Dog Chasse enjoyed his Valentine's Day present from fellow Daycare dog Tucker a few weeks ago. Each dog received a fun treat from their best buddy in Daycare. :-)

Chasse just wanted to say "Thank you" to everyone at Gemini for taking such great care of him and his wonderful Valentine from Tucker.

Thanks!!!!

Love,

Chasse

Chasse enjoys his Valentine's Day card, cookies, and tennis ball!

Help Wanted!

Due to our incredible growth (thank you everyone!), we are looking to add more staff to the Gemini Dogs family. We are looking for responsible, dedicated, smart, outgoing, and hard-working animal lovers. Experience is a plus, but not necessary.

Doggie Daycare Positions
FT and PT, hours vary and may include weekend days and overnights; therefore, applicants must be over 18 years old. Experience is preferred but we are willing to train the right person who loves dogs, has great customer service skills, and is a hard worker. Experience in a barn, kennel, vet clinic, etc. is a bonus.

Office Positions
We are also looking for people to help in the office to answer phones, tend to customer questions, help maintain class schedules and rosters, and do light computer work. Prior experience running an office is a plus.

Apply online or email your resume. No calls please.

Lucy Says "Think Spring!"

A perfect picture for today's wintry weather. Looks like Gemini Dog Lucy Bilozur can't wait for warmer weather! Thanks for sending in your pooch's picture, Lisa!

Do you have a fun picture of your Gemini Dog you'd like to share? Send it in and maybe she'll get some Internet fame! :>)

Did You Get Our Latest Newsletter?

The latest Woof! News & Notes has hit Email Land. If you are not on our mailing list, sign up using the easy form to the right and get your copy!