1/9/12
Russell and I are putting together a schedule for various types of classes and workshops we will be offering in 2012. If you are interested in participating in an upcoming class with your dog as a new student, or coming back for a Free Refresher Course; or, if you are looking for a workshop on a particular subject, just give us a call — 564-2604 — or send us e-mail — Cynthia@FreshAirDogs.com — and we’ll put you on the list and contact you when the dates have been determined.
We offer group lessons, private lessons, socialization, we even do home visits! How can we help you?
Fresh Air Dogs – Your dog’s favorite place to learn, play and stay!
1/8/12
Train the Trainers! Russell and Cynthia travel to sunny Orlando, Florida for “What Not to Err: Training Mistakes that Create Headaches for Dogs” with Kathy Sdao, M.A., an Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist. 
Course description: There’s no shortage of dog-training advice available to our clients. Websites, books, television, dog advocates and well-intentioned friends offer suggestions for basic training and for solving behavior problems. We’ll review ten errors, both general and technical, common to dog-friendly trainers. Topics include ineffective cues, backward sequences, poisoned reinforcers, misunderstood training transitions and more. Understanding how to avoid or resolve these issues will make training fairer for our dogs and more fun for everyone. Kathy also presents “Plenty in Life is Free: An Alternative to Rank-based Training Models.” Much modern dog training has evolved from older methods laden with physical coercion. Though the dog-training profession has made enormous strides in improving methodology over the past two decades, remnants of that dominance-based paradigm are still common. From the hackneyed advice that owners should be “alpha in their pack,” to the emphasis on leadership, to the ubiquity of “Nothing in Life is Free” (NILIF) protocols, the concept of hierarchy is integral to many trainers. Though this framework can sometimes lead to helpful training procedures, the explanations often go beyond a straight-forward scientific perspective by integrating superfluous concepts such as rank and deprivation. We’ll consider an alternative framework that provides a more equitable approach to effective training.
Kathy Sdao, M.A., ACAAB has spent the past 25 years as a full-time animal trainer, first with marine mammals and now with dogs and their people. As a graduate student at the University of Hawaii in the 1980′s, she was part of a research team that trained dolphins to solve complex cognitive puzzles. She received a master’s degree in experimental psychology and was then hired by the United States Navy (Department of Defense) to train dolphins for applied open-ocean tasks. After that job, Kathy spent five years as a marine-mammal trainer at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma Washington. There she expanded her training skills by working with beluga whales, walruses, porpoises, sea lions, otters and polar bears. After leaving the zoo world, Kathy and a colleague created Tacoma’s first dog-daycare facility, Puget Hound Daycare, where Kathy first began teaching clicker-training classes for pet owners.
Since selling Puget Hound more than a decade ago, Kathy has traveled across the United States, Canada and Europe, and to Japan and Mexico, teaching students about the science of animal training. She enjoys sharing her passion for the incredible power of clicker training, experienced over years of working with many species.
Kathy currently owns Bright Spot Dog Training. Services include consulting with families about their challenging dogs, teaching private lessons to dogs and their owners, and coaching novices and professionals to cross over to positive-reinforcement training. In addition, she has trained animal actors, written for The Clicker Journal and for MSN’s dog-themed website, consulted with Guide Dogs for the Blind and for Susquehanna Service Dogs, served as a subject-matter expert for the Delta Society’s “Service Dog Education System” and taught at the “Instructor Training Course” for Dogs of Course. And, in one of her sillier moments, Kathy appeared as the “Way Cool Scientist” on an episode of the television show Bill Nye the Science Guy. Kathy is proud to be one of the original faculty members for Karen Pryor’s long-running ClickerExpos and has taught at eighteen of these conferences since 2003. FMI, go to Kathy’s website.
Fresh Air Dogs – Your dog’s favorite place to learn, play and stay!
1/7/12
Train the Trainers! Russell and Cynthia travel to sunny Orlando, Florida for “DOG TALK: An Up-to-the-Minute Update on Canine Communication” with Patricia McConnell, Ph.D., CAAB. 
Course description: What do we know about how and what dogs communicate? What are dogs “saying” when they raise their tails, dilate their pupils or mark over the urine of another? An all-new exploration of visual, acoustic and chemical communication in dogs. Learn what researchers know about “intraspecific” communication (dog to dog), watch lots of new videos to enhance our ability to “read” dogs, discuss our ability to categorize the acoustic and visual signals of dogs and elaborate on the training implications of new research findings in canine behavior.
Patricia McConnell, Ph.D., CAAB, is an Ethologist and Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist who has consulted with cat and dog lovers for over twenty-two years. She combines a thorough understanding of the science of behavior with years of practical, applied experience. Her nationally syndicated radio show, Calling All Pets, played in over 110 cities for fourteen years and her television show Petline played on Animal Planet for two and a half years. She is the behavior columnist for The Bark magazine (“the New Yorker of Dog Magazines”) and is Adjunct Associate Professor in Zoology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, teaching “The Biology and Philosophy of Human/Animal Relationships.” Dr. McConnell is a much sought after speaker and seminar presenter, speaking to training organizations, veterinary conferences, academic meetings and animal shelters around the world about dog and cat behavior, and on science-based and humane solutions to serious behavioral problems. She is the author of thirteen books on training and behavioral problems, as well as the critically acclaimed books The Other End of the Leash (translated now into 14 languages), For the Love of a Dog and Tales of Two Species. Patricia lives with her Border Collie Willie, her cat Sushi and a very spoiled flock of sheep, and suffers from separation anxiety when she leaves them. For more information, go to Trisha’s website, facebook page, or visit her blog.
11/12/11
Saturday, November 12, 2011 — 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Do you have a special picture for your 2011 Holiday Cards yet? Here’s an idea … Diane Parola, Calidoodle PhoDOGraphy, will be setting up her photo studio once again at Fresh Air Dogs. Diane and her trusted assistant, Ramona, work magic getting just the right shot of your pup! You’ll be amazed! Be sure to check out Diane’s website to see many of the terrific pix she has taken!
The fee is $10 for one 5×7 and four wallet-size photos, more sizes are available upon request. There is no sitting fee for this photo shoot! The first primp session will begin at 8:45 am and the last sitting will be scheduled for 11:45 a.m. To schedule a time for your pup’s photo shoot, please call Cynthia at Fresh Air Dogs, 564-2604.
A good time will be had by all !!! WOOF!
Calidoodoe Phodography
Diane Parola, PhoDOGrapher
207.924.6401
djparola326@gmail.com
www.CalidoodlePhoDOGraphy.com
Fresh Air Dogs
251 Wharff Road, Guilford
Russell & Cynthia Scott, Owners/Trainers
207.564.2604
Cynthia@FreshAirDogs.com
www.FreshAirDogs.com
www.Facebook.com/FreshAirDogs
Fresh Air Dogs – Your dog’s favorite place to learn, play and stay!
9/12/11
In this 5-week Basic Dog Obedience Class, you will learn how to train your dog to heel (walk calmly on a loose leash beside you), sit, stand, stay, come when called, and more! Dogs will learn helpful behaviors such as wait and leave it, and stop unwanted behaviors like jumping and barking. This is an ideal training class for dogs of any age; new puppies will get off on the right paw and you’ll create more of a bond between you and your dog. This skills learned in this class will prepare dogs for obedience competition, AKC Good Citizen Test and Therapy Dog Certification. Certificates are awarded at the last class on October 17th.
Dogs must be current with immunizations. A nylon training collar and 6-foot lead will be required and can be purchased from the instructors at the first class. Instructors: Russell and Cynthia Scott have been training puppies and dogs of all ages (and their owners) since 1978 and are the owners of Fresh Air Dogs in Guilford. FMI or to pre-register, call 564-2604.
Classes will be held on 5 Monday evenings from 6-7 pm, starting Monday, September 12th (no class on Columbus Day, October 10th — last class October 17th). Previous students may return for a 4-week FREE REFRESHER COURSE starting September 19th.
The cost for this class is $85. Location: PVAEC Gymasium, 48 Morton Avenue, Dover-Foxcroft, Maine.
This course is affiliated with PVAEC – Piscataquis Valley Adult Education Cooperative. Directions and online registration is available by clicking HERE.
Fresh Air Dogs – Your dog’s favorite place to learn, play and stay!
9/10/11
Saturday, September 10, 2011 — 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Do you have a special picture for your 2011 Holiday Cards yet? Here’s an idea … Diane Parola, Calidoodle PhoDOGraphy, will be setting up her photo studio once again at Fresh Air Dogs. Diane and her trusted assistant, Ramona, work magic getting just the right shot of your pup! You’ll be amazed! Be sure to check out Diane’s website to see many of the terrific pix she has taken!
Michelle Lazore, Ruff Kuts Grooming, will be on hand to provide your pup with a pre-photosession-primp, and will have your pup looking picture-perfect in no time!
The fee is $10 for one 5×7 and four wallet-size photos, more sizes are available upon request. There is no sitting fee for this photo shoot! The first primp session will begin at 8:45 am and the last sitting will be scheduled for 11:45 a.m. To schedule a time for your pup’s photo shoot, please call Cynthia at Fresh Air Dogs, 564-2604.
A good time will be had by all !!! WOOF!
Calidoodoe Phodography
Diane Parola, PhoDOGrapher
207.924.6401
djparola326@gmail.com
www.CalidoodlePhoDOGraphy.com
Ruff Kuts Grooming
16 Bushey Road, Greenville
Michelle Lazore, Groomer
207.695.3939
mtkatahdin1993@yahoo.com
www.facebook.com/RuffKutsGrooming
Fresh Air Dogs
251 Wharff Road, Guilford
Russell & Cynthia Scott, Owners/Trainers
207.564.2604
Cynthia@FreshAirDogs.com
www.FreshAirDogs.com
www.Facebook.com/FreshAirDogs
Fresh Air Dogs – Your dog’s favorite place to learn, play and stay!
6/26/11
Date: Sunday, June 26, 2011 — Mark Your Calendar!!!
Time: 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Place: Fresh Air Dogs
Cost: $40
Do you work with animals? Own an animal? Love animals? Just one tip you learn in this 4-hour course may save the life of a beloved pet, yours or someone elses! Bobby Silcott, ACO (Animal Control Officer) from Naples and Founder of The Maine POM (Pet Oxygen Mask) Project will be here as we host the American Red Cross Pet First Aid/CPR Certification class. The class (which covers both dogs and cats) is limited to the first 12 people registered. The cost for the class is $40, which includes an American Red Cross First Aid Book, DVD and certification.
All attendees must register in advance; class size is 6 minimum, 12 maximum. If we have more than 12 people, we may hold a morning class as well from 8am to 12 noon. Due to the limited space, payment for the 1/2 of class will be required at the time of registration to hold your spot with the remainder due day of the class. To pre-register, contact Cynthia Scott at 207.564.2604 or E-mail Cynthia@FreshAirDogs.com.Payment (cash or $20 checks made payable to THE MAINE POM PROJECT) can be sent to Fresh Air Dogs, 251 Wharff Road, Guilford ME 04443.
Upon completion of this course, you will receive an American Red Cross First Aid Certificate with the date you completed the course; there is NO expiration date, so this certification is good for life!
All proceeds benefit the The Maine POM Project whose mission to equip all Maine rescues with POMs. Learn more about The Maine POM Project on Facebook.
Need directions? Don’t rely on your GPS, it’ll lead you astray, trust me! Click this link for directions to Fresh Air Dogs.
Fresh Air Dogs – Your dog’s favorite place to learn, play and stay!
6/19/11
In this 5-week Basic Dog Obedience Class, you will learn how to train your dog to heel (walk calmly on a loose leash beside you), sit, stand, stay, come when called, and more! Dogs will learn helpful behaviors such as wait and leave it, and stop unwanted behaviors like jumping and barking. This is an ideal training class for dogs of any age; new puppies will get off on the right paw and you’ll create more of a bond between you and your dog. This skills learned in this class will prepare dogs for obedience competition, AKC Good Citizen Test and Therapy Dog Certification. Certificates are awarded at the last class.
Dogs must be current with immunizations. A nylon training collar and 6-foot lead will be required and can be purchased from the instructors at the first class. Instructors: Russell and Cynthia Scott have been training puppies and dogs of all ages (and their owners) since 1978 and are the owners of Fresh Air Dogs in Guilford. FMI call 564-2604.
Classes will be held on 5 Sundays evenings from 6-7 pm, starting June 19th.
The cost for this class is $85. Location: Fresh Air Dogs, 251 Wharff Road, Guilford.
Fresh Air Dogs – Your dog’s favorite place to learn, play and stay!
5/16/11
In this 5-week Basic Dog Obedience Class, you will learn how to train your dog to heel (walk calmly on a loose leash beside you), sit, stand, stay, come when called, and more! Dogs will learn helpful behaviors such as wait and leave it, and stop unwanted behaviors like jumping and barking. This is an ideal training class for dogs of any age; new puppies will get off on the right paw and you’ll create more of a bond between you and your dog. This skills learned in this class will prepare dogs for obedience competition, AKC Good Citizen Test and Therapy Dog Certification. Certificates are awarded at the last class.
Dogs must be current with immunizations. A nylon training collar and 6-foot lead will be required and can be purchased from the instructors at the first class. Instructors: Russell and Cynthia Scott have been training puppies and dogs of all ages (and their owners) since 1978 and are the owners of Fresh Air Dogs in Guilford. FMI call 564-2604.
Classes will be held on 5 Monday evenings from 6-7 pm, starting May 16th.
The cost for this class is $85. Location: Ruff Kuts Grooming, 16 Bushey Road, Greenville
This course is affiliated with Greenville Adult Community Education.
Fresh Air Dogs – Your dog’s favorite place to learn, play and stay!
5/14/11
Date: Saturday, May 14, 2011
Time: 11-12 AM
Place: Fresh Air Dogs
For all of you who know Hannahbelle and Franklin, we share a little story.
In May 2005 after Logan, our 14 year old Golden Retriever, died, Russell and I talked about how now that our kids had grown up and moved on with their lives, maybe we shouldn’t get another dog right away. For the first time in 27 we were dogless and along with the sadness associated with losing Logan, we also had some new found freedom, a completely empty nest. Our daughter, Jenika, age 22, informed us that if we didn’t have a Golden she wasn’t coming home,”cuz home wasn’t home without a Golden.” I told her to do the footwork and let us know what she comes up with. It didn’t take her very long to inform us that we had an appointment to go check out a puppy — and wouldn’t you know it, there were two puppies left in this litter (born in May 2005), so what do you think happened next? You got it, we came home with two puppies that day … Hannahbelle and Franklin. Following their 1st birthday, they both became certified Therapy Dogs and have made many visits around the community to brighten someone’s day.
Jenika and Hannahbelle formed a special bond and she longed to have Hannah come live with her. I told her once she had a place to live that was suitable for a dog, she could take Hannah with her. This past weekend, Jenika moved to an apartment in South Portland with a fenced in back yard that opens in the back to a 40+ acre Dog Park, complete with a pond! Jenika is getting a little bit more than she bargained for as I told her if she wanted to take Hannah, Franklin would be part of the deal as well since they are litter mates, have never been separated and go together like peanut butter and jelly.
On Saturday afternoon, May 14th, they’ll be going for a long car ride to South Portland to start their new life as city dogs. Jenika is excited to have them come live with her and we know we’ll get to see them when she visits or vacations.
For Russell and I, we still have our two Golden Doodles, Barkley and Emma, and many of your dogs here day in and day out, so I don’t see us being dogless any time soon. We are loving this new lifestyle being at home with all these wonderful dogs and bet that Franklin and Hannah will adjust to their new surroundings very quickly. They’ll have plenty of love and attention where they’re going and besides food, water, car rides, belly rubs, treats and tennis balls …. what more could they want?
So … on Saturday morning, May 14th, if you’d like to drop by between 11-12, we’ll have some special people and doggie treats to share as we celebrate Franklin and Hannahbelle’s 6th Birthday and wish them well in their new digs. Love to see ya if it works in your schedule!
3/14/11
In this 5-week Basic Dog Obedience Class, you will learn how to train your dog to heel (walk calmly on a loose leash beside you), sit, stand, stay, come when called, and more! Dogs will learn helpful behaviors such as wait and leave it, and stop unwanted behaviors like jumping and barking. This is an ideal training class for dogs of any age; new puppies will get off on the right paw and you’ll create more of a bond between you and your dog. This skills learned in this class will prepare dogs for obedience competition, AKC Good Citizen Test and Therapy Dog Certification. Certificates are awarded at the last class.
Dogs must be current with immunizations. A nylon training collar and 6-foot lead will be required and can be purchased from the instructors at the first class. Instructors: Russell and Cynthia Scott have been training puppies and dogs of all ages (and their owners) since 1978 and are the owners of Fresh Air Dogs in Guilford. FMI call 564-2604.
Classes will be held on 5 Monday evenings from 6-7 pm, starting March 14th.
The cost for this class is $85. Location: PVAEC Gymasium, 48 Morton Avenue, Dover-Foxcroft, Maine.
This course is affiliated with PVAEC – Piscataquis Valley Adult Education Cooperative
Online registration is available … just go to
http://pvaec.maineadulted.org/courses/course/basic_dog_obedience_spring_11
2/23/11
Cynthia Scott and Hannahbelle, her 6-year old Golden Retriever, gave a presentation about Therapy Dogs at the Senior Luncheon at the Congregational Church in Dover-Foxcroft. Hannabelle was tested and certified as a Therapy Dog at 1-year old, along with her brother, Franklin. The group learned the difference between Therapy Dogs and Service Dogs and discussed the many uses for Therapy Dogs. Cynthia has taken her dogs to schools, libraries, hospitals, nursing homes, private homes, etc. — wherever a Therapy Dog is needed. The dogs have been invited to attend visiting hours and funerals to help people who are grieving. They have also participated in the “Tail Waggin’ Tutors” program, where children read to dogs to increase their reading skills without feeling judged. While Cynthia did the talking for the presentation, Hannahbelle gave each person a “hands on” experience in Pet Therapy … she loved it and so did they!
