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The Importance of Being Present graphic with a four-panel comic of a woman ignoring her dog for her phone

The Importance of Being Present

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< A version of this article was published on the Green Acres Kennel Shop blog > < A version of this article was published in the August 2026 issue of Downeast Dog News> < Updated 2026-08-22 > < The link to this page –  https://www.forcefreepets.com/being-present/ >   This post is based on an educational talk … Continued

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Thank You! Trivia, Gus, & PPG Too! graphic with a black dog named Trivia and a magazine article page

Thank You! Trivia, Gus, & PPG Too!

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Thank You!  Trivia, Gus, & PPG Too! By Don Hanson, PCBC-A, BFRAP <A version of this article was first published in the May 2017 issue of Barks from the Guild, a publication of the Pet Professional Guild> < A version of this article was published in the February 2021 issue of Downeast Dog News and … Continued

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Resources on Canine Body Language and Communication graphic showing books, a kids' guide to speaking dog and dog photos

Resources on Canine Body Language & Communication

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Resources on Canine Body Language & Communication By Don Hanson, PCBC-A, BFRAP < Updated 2026-08-02 > < The link to this page at FFP – https://www.forcefreepets.com/resources-on-canine-body-language-communication/ > < The link to this page at GAKS – https://www.greenacreskennel.com/2026/08/03/resources-on-canine-body-language-communication/ > Most of us bring a dog into our lives to be a companion and family member. Both … Continued

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High Praise From Our Clients

This is what our clients say about us.

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Ellen

While we are not going anywhere in the foreseeable future - and who knows when it will be safe to fly again? - I want to say again and again, Nhattie had the absolutely BEST time with you this past visit. She came home and really let us know that she’d been loved, cared for, attended to and was totally HAPPY!!

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Jane Blay

I wanted to let you know how beautiful my Riley looked after she was groomed by Peggy. Riley and I have had a rough few months due to injuries and Riley's coat really needed some help. I picked up a clean, fluffy Husky who I am sure feels so much more comfortable :) thanks!

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Kate Watts

We had a wonderful experience training at Green Acres. Based on compassion, kindness and positive reinforcement, my beloved Enzo and I learned better communication. Stellar trainers and excellent advice throughout our class. I look forward to Level 2 beginning soon!! Thank you to Don, Christina and Ashley!!

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Donna and Cary

Thank you, Lindsay and Christina for a great experience with Max! It has been so good for him and we are excited to continue to work with him. He loves the keep away game with his prize gekko ????. Thanks again ~ Donna and Cary

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Hannah

I couldn’t speak more highly about this shop. I’ve taken both of my dogs here for training and the experience has been stellar every time. Not only has the training helped my dogs, the information and skills I’ve gained as a dog owner have helped me develop a positive relationship with my dogs and cats and has given me more confidence in my interactions with other dogs. The staff at Green Acres are so kind and genuinely care about the customers and animals that come through their door. I will carry the lessons and positivity I’ve learned from the trainers and staff here with me for the rest of my life and into every interaction I have with animals.

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Audrey & Ken

We wouldn’t board anywhere else… our pets receive the best care… and always excited when they realize where we are going! Thank you for sharing your love with them.

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Justine

Yes! Your training programs have helped so much during Yogi’s puppyhood and now adolescence. We are reminded we need to be patient and proactive, as we are planning to delay his neutering for health reasons, and he has a lot of hormonal shifts happening. But since we work with him closely, it is manageable! He’s the best boy. Thanks for all the help.

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Eric

My dog Olaf loves this place!

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Andrius

Super friendly and knowledgeable staff, they’re even open on Sundays for a few hours in the afternoon! We highly recommend them and our basset and beagle agree.

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Janelle & Batman

My name is Batman the Black Lab and I am 14 years old. I am a “sugar face” now but I am healthy and shiny and still have a lot of pep in my step! My mom says I have been a Green Acres customer for at least seven years.
The knowledgeable staff has helped with my diet - I have food allergies and used to get ear infections, but with the high quality foods available at Green Acres we have my allergies under control and I no longer have problems. And you have great toys and treats too! I got squeaky tennis balls for my birthday. And I get bully sticks and pig snouts and salmon skins - yummy!
I love Doggie Daycare and also overnight stays when mom has to go away. It’s like a little vacation for me and I have fun with all my friends there at Green Acres.
I recommend Green Acres to all my dog friends.
Thank you for being there!
Batman the Black Lab

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Peg & Dick

For all the wonderful folks at Green Acres: Green Acres has been our choice for over 20 years for our dogs’ classes, daycare, boarding and supplies.  Everything you do is done professionally with care and concern for the personalities and needs of each pet – and for your human clients too.  Our Lily has considered daycare day the highlight of her week for much of her life, and we can never thank you enough for all the love and fun – and peanut butter Kongs – she has had.  It’s a pleasure for all of us to do business with you. 

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Lilian

Don and the team at GAKS are very knowledgeable about dog nutrition, grooming, behavior and development.  We look to them for advice often.  Our Maggie Gracie loves her GAKS people and toys!

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Trudy

My dog Vishnu recently died. During the course of her long and sometimes difficult life, the only place she ever boarded was at Green Acres, and they always treated her wonderfully, even giving her her insulin shots. I will continue to use Green Acres going forward with my cats. The staff is wonderful – and thank you so much Don Hanson and everyone for the wonderful sympathy card I received this week.

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Brenda

My family and I have taken all of our pets to Green Acres Kennel Shop since they opened. We’ve used them for training 3 dogs, boarding both cats and dogs as well as pet supplies. When we had major changes in life that upset our pets, we’ve had help from Don Hanson with Bach Flower remedies too. There is no better place for all your pets needs.

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Kylie

Millie started at daycare there last year and they take such good care of her.

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Jean

Miss Brenda and Green Acres Kennel came into my little puppies life the first time I walked into the kennel. Brenda made us both feel so welcome. She made me feel like she loved my pussy as her own. Then Idgie took training classes with Mr. Don. He continued to teach us about our puppy. Idgie continued classes with Miss Cristina. Cristina taught us and Idgie evcn more. I have always felt like all the staff has loved my puppy.

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Amy

Nattycakes started at doggie daycare when her Momma (me) was trying to work from home during the pandemic. After calling three or four local daycares that said they couldn’t take her as soon as they heard, she was a mixed Pitt breed, we were lucky enough to find Green Acres. No judgment, no fear, no pain. Lots and lots and lots of LOVE.

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Jean & Hanji

We took the puppy training course before we got our puppy, two obedience courses, and the puppy play time. Green Acres was indispensable in training not only our dog, but us too! The staff is loving, caring, and very helpful. Love from Hanji’s family.

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Erin

We discovered Green Acres back in 2008 when we moved here from out of state and were looking for a store who sold the dog food we had been using. Not only do they sell the best quality dog and cat food, they are extremely knowledgeable in helping you find the best food for your pet. We also buy our cat food there. Around when the pandemic started, we adopted a puppy. She is selective in who she wants to be friends with, and we had tried two other daycares and their lack of structure and free range with how the dogs played didn’t work out for our pup. I reached out to Green Acres to inquire about daycare and boarding and they were so welcoming for our dog. She loves going there and they match her up to play with dogs she gets along with. Due to her past before we adopted her, she also doesn’t like us to trim her nails and takes a bit to trust people. The groomer at Green Acres is amazing and says our dog does ok when she trims her nails. I have seen them work with other dogs who might not enjoy grooming or having nails trimmed and they work with the dog to get it done and the dogs don’t seem to mind. They also are such experts on working with all dogs of different temperaments. I never have questioned their care and it’s so nice dropping off your pet knowing they will receive loving, quality care. All the employees are so wonderful and you can tell they truly care about your pet. I don’t know what we would do without Green Acres for their many different services they provide, we are so fortunate to have them. Thank you all!!!! I also forgot to mention they have the most amazing rewards program!!!! The amount of money that saves us and feeling appreciated as a customer is the best.

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Nicole

I got to say listen to your dog and it’s all about your dog’s comfort. We have tried other places and she didn’t really like them that much. She actually walks into this place wagging her tail – these people make the atmosphere loving and caring and make her feel comfortable.

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