Our Friends
What People Are Saying About Us
Abby, Gracie & Birdie
I have known Gail Cappadonna since the mid-90’s when she was located in Billerica, MA. She trained my then “untrainable” beagles and she has trained all of my dogs since then. Not only is Gail one of the most gifted dog trainers I’ve ever come into contact with, she really knows what dogs are thinking…as far as we’re concerned, she IS the female dog whisperer. I was so elated when Gail purchased the kennels in NH because I could finally take a vacation and leave our “girls” with the one and ONLY person I’ve ever trusted them with. All our girls love to go to “camp” with Gail and we can go on vacation and actually relax because we know that our “kids” are in the best care possible. Making the almost 1 hour drive doesn’t phase us in the least…….the trip is well worth it!! Gail is the best and her crew have been trained by the best.
Jessie
One of the stories on Gail’s website talks about a couple driving 40 minutes to Cappa’s Kennel because they can relax and enjoy their vacation knowing their dog is in great hands. We do the same thing for the same reason; we can go away and really relax knowing that Jessie is having fun.
Our ride to Gail’s is pretty much uneventful until we get off of the highway. At that point it seems that Jessie realizes where she is going and starts acting crazy in the car: dancing around, crying and wagging her tail, until we get there. This pleases us because we know she realizes where she is going and is excited. Once we are there, Jessie “charges” into the office, gives Gail a doggy kiss and “runs’ into the kennel, never looking back. It is a wonderful feeling knowing that Jessie is not only going to be taken well care of but also loves it there.
Vicki and Joe
Billerica MA
Maxwell
We have known Gail & friends for almost 10 years. Maxwell is our 3rd dog that Gail has helped us with and I consider her the Best when it comes to dogs. Maxwell stays with Gail whenever we travel and I love having the peace of mind knowing that he has a good, safe place to stay with lots of buddies to play with. Gail is always there for my doggie questions on behavior and health issues (like always telling me Maxwell needs to lose a few pounds!). I have referred many of people and dogs to Cappas Kennels and they always thank me for the great service!
Ralph & Shelly
Wilmington MA
Merry & Ollie
My husband and I first met Gail in 1998, when she owned Command Pawformance in Billerica, MA. We lived in Burlington and had adopted our dog from a local shelter. Due to some behavioral issues, we asked friends, co-workers and beighbors to recommend a dog trainer. Everyone gave us the same name, Gail Cappadona. Gail immediately gave us practical advice to resolve the problem and we began training at Command Pawformance (WE began, our dog, Nicky, already knew what to do). Nicky loved going to doggie daycare and Gail even took him into her house when we needed to leave him overnight.
When we moved to New Hampshire, I still drove Nicky to Command Pawformance for doggie daycare twice a week so you can imagine how excited we were to hear about Gail’s move to Cappa’s Kennel in Kingston, NH. Gail helped us with some tough medical problems as Nicky got older and needed special attention. We never worried about leaving him at Cappa’s Kennel.
Nicky’s gone now and we have two new dogs, Merry and Ollie. We never considered anyone but Gail to work with them. Now that we are retired, we are able to travel a little more. When the “Kids” see me pack their food, toys and beds in the car, they know they are going to Cappa’s Kennel. Sometimes it hurts a little, the way they run through the doors at the kennel without a backwards glance but that’s the price we pay to leave them with a dear and trusted friend.
Jenny
Relax, enjoy, and don’t worry! That’s what vacations are for and that’s why we drive 40 minutes to drop Jenny off at Cappas Kennel. We know she is in good hands and she is having fun, too! Gail and all the girls at the kennel come highly recommended. They want what’s best for our four legged family members and we wouldn’t leave Jenny anywhere else. Thanks for helping make our vacations more enjoyable!!
- Blair & Chris Ely and Jenny too!
Chelmsford, MA
Foster
When I first met Gail in July of 2002, Foster was four months old and she asked me why in the world I would buy an Australian Shepherd! After a very eventful “free” evaluation, I couldn’t believe she was willing to take on this dog! I’ve had dogs my whole life, but faced a whole bunch of new challenges living in a city, with a small yard on a busy street. I knew right away that Gail and Command Pawformance* were my only hope. Day school and group classes paid off when Foster passed the Canine Good Citizen test on his first try!
Gail helped me bond with Foster, train him, have fun with him and turn him into the greatest pet we’ve ever had. She still shakes her head sometimes and wonders why on earth I bought such a challenging breed, but she never gave up on our progress. Gail is still the first person I call with a question, and Foster stays at Cappa’s Kennel each time we go on vacation. While we’re gone, we think about Foster everyday, we miss him, but we never, ever worry about him. I wouldn’t leave my precious pet with anyone else.
- Jessica Bailey
Jinji
Gail has worked and lived with dogs most of her life. She knows dogs from the inside out and helps dogs and their owners. She trained my dog Jinji and me and showed us how to behave! I am so excited about her new facility, it is clean, homey, and spacious. The health, behavior, and well-being of every single dog in her care are important to Gail. I know I can entrust my dog to her, I wouldn’t leave her anywhere else. For your dog and your own peace of mind, Cappa’s Kennel is definitely the right choice.
- Nancy
Frieda
If ever there were a “dog whisperer,” this is the woman. With Gail, working and being with dogs is more than a profession; it’s a calling, and one she is uniquely suited for. She’s clever, funny, and a master of her craft. Hers is not a “one size fits all” approach. She works with the owner to implement a program designed to fit the animal’s strengths and needs.
Gail has an uncanny gift for “reading” a dog. We brought our shelter puppy to her at nine weeks. She evaluated the dog on the spot, taking the time to explain what behaviors in the dog gave her the specific information. Unlike our previous dog, this puppy was timid and easily frightened. She would need ongoing exposure to sounds, sights, and people, in various stettings. Our individual sessions were packed with demonstrations, explanations and “homework.” Gail welcomed our long lists of questions, never rushing us or growing impatient with our ignorance. Between sessions, we were encouraged to communicate with her about any problems or questions. This approach provided for us the perfect environment to make progress with our new puppy, and to avoid both frustration and serious mistakes. We have felt successful, and we have a happy puppy.
We have loved the whole process. The dog has gained in skill and understanding, and so have we. Once our training with Gail is done, we will be left with the confidence and comfort of knowing how our canine “ticks,” and how to get the best from one another. Our success comes from this special woman, who derives enormous pleasure from what she does, and who will always care about the welfare of our dog. All investments should have a payback this good!
- Deborah Hess and Family