Originally from Dublin Ireland, I moved to Nova Scotia in April 2011. I am a proud husband, dad of 3 amazing boys, 1 beautiful girl and 5 dogs.

I grew up in Dublin City on the south side of Dublin where I always had dogs & cats in my life from as early as I can remember. We were a family that always took in strays and made our home theirs.

Prior to moving to Canada, I was a qualified Real Estate Agent with the IPAV in Ireland and qualified in Fine Art and Antiques (IPAV) specializing in the Georgian & Regency period (c1660 - c1850).

Aside from dogs, technology has always been a passion of mine and I spent many years in web design, logo design, printing and computer repair and upgrades.

In 2013 I was introduced to the "Dog World" where I met Kelsy while taking my dog to training classes at the facility she worked at.

From 2014 - 2021 myself and Kelsy managed and operated  Albon Dog Ranch and made it  an award winning Doggy Daycare & Boarding facility on the South Shore. This was a family owned business and in September 2021 we ventured out on our own and found this beautiful location in Yarmouth, NS.

Over the years and handling thousands of dogs I have learned so much about dogs, dog breeds, their behavior, and why dogs do what they do. I thrive to learn more as the days go on.

Our new adventure in Yarmouth is only beginning. We have so many plans for the future to make sure that every dog that comes through the door is happy and content and wants to return as soon as they leave!

"There are no limits as to what you can accomplish, except the limits that you place on your own thinking." -Brian Tracy

I was born and raised in Nova Scotia and reside in the beautiful Yarmouth County. I'm a wife to my amazing husband Jonathan and mother to two adorable children Zayne and Everly and step mother to amazing boys, Jordan and Rhys. I also have 5 great dogs named Sprint (Border Collie, Tye (Border Collie, Meka (Husky mix), Storm (Siberian Husky) and Harpo (Malinois).

I have been involved with dogs for over 22 years. I started off participating in flyball with my childhood dog. We attended training sessions and tournaments.

This was the start of knowing that dogs were going to be in my life for a life time.

When I was in high school back in 2008, 2009, and 2010 I dedicated my after school to walking rescues that couldn't be placed into a home due to their issues. I got the pleasure of spending every single evening (literally) listening to why dogs do what they do, learning about breeds, temperaments, aggression, friendly dogs, positive reinforcement training, and more.

I worked at a dog boarding and training facility for over 7 years.
I've dealt with up to 50+ dogs on my own including friendly, aggressive, nervous, and HRM police dogs while the owners were away and took over management.

During this time I spent every weekend attending and helping with training classes. Basic Training, Obedience Training, Puppy Classes, Group classes, Reactivity, One on One, Obedience Agility, Flyball practices/tournaments and more.

I am truly blessed to have the experience I do as I've learned what to do and what not to do. I know without those years and the amount of hands on experience dealing with hundreds of breeds and personalities I wouldn't be where I am today.

In 2010 I had the pleasure of attending Guelph University for a Dog Seminar specializing in dog behaviour called, "The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly".

In 2014 my husband and I ran a family owned business called "Albon Dog Ranch" where for the next 7 years we won several awards for "Best Doggy Daycare & Boarding Facility" and which was a huge success.

In September 2021 we moved to Yarmouth and opened up our own daycare, boarding & training facility called Dogwood Lodge Pet Retreat and here we are today!

When it comes to dogs there is always something to learn. Sometimes I think people need to be reminded that dogs are a lot like people in the sense that every single one are so different and unique in their own ways. I offer Positive Reinforcement Training and you won't be disappointed after coming to my class.

I train you just as much as I train your dog!

"Positive thinking leads to positive outcomes"
-Kelsy