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

Cassie

Cassie, my half Labrador Retriever, half standard
poodle puppy was fearful from the time I adopted her
as a 12-week-old puppy in the fall of 2004. She was full of energy and very sweet with me, but terrified of strangers. As time went on, her fear seemed to increase and I was afraid she would be aggressive with someone. Walks on a leash didn't give her the exercise she needed and we are out in the country without a fenced enclosure. I couldn't trust her off leash because she would ignore me when I called her and chase people on horseback, barking all the while.

I sent Cassie to Gail at Cappa's Kennel in Kingston for training and boarding. I never thought I would use a training collar but it was a training tool that worked beautifully for Cassie. Thanks to Gail, she came back a different dog! Now I know she will come when she is called, either by me or my son. She comes back right away, which is an important safety issue. But more than that, she seems happier, more confident and I don't have to yell at her. She is such a pleasure and the walks are fun again!

- Andrea Cleghorn

...and then I met Gail. I thank my lucky stars for that day because once she met Marley and took over as his trainer, he was a completely different dog! I can't even explain the transformation in his personality after just one day because it almost defies logic. Gail taught him how to behave properly, but more importantly, taught me how to be in charge. There's something about her that instantly made me feel at ease and I truly believe that dogs respond to this, as well. Marley certainly becomes thrilled whenever he sees her and now that she's opened her kennel, that opportunity will present itself more often. There's nobody I trust more to take care of him than Gail and I thank her from the bottom of my heart for turning my dog into the sweet, loving family pet that he is today.

- Kathryn MacDonald

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

Mugzy & Patch

I had stopped into Command Pawformance* to thank you for the great training you gave our dogs Mugzy and Patch. (Not to mention the great training you gave our family so we can clearly communicate with them). If they were not as well behaved as they are we would have been without our home owners' insurance this year. We were canceled by one company because we have Dalmatians and they are on some "high risk list." The company that did accept us had to have a copy of their Canine Good Citizen's certificate and sent an agent out to meet and photograph them. The agent was shocked when I called them into the living room and asked if he wanted them to sit or lay down. He said sitting was fine so I asked them to sit and they lined up side by side and sat until he was done and I gave them the "free" command. He told me that he usually has to chase dogs around to get their pictures. They came to you as puppies and are now 10 and 8 years old. Thank you for teaching all of us how to have happy and well-behaved pets. We appreciate all of your patience with us and the valued knowledge that you instilled in our pets and our family. Best of luck on your new venture and I'm glad to know where I can bring them should I need to board them at a kennel.

Sincerely,
Debby Tatten and Family