Covey Kennels

Covey Kennels offers a structured training curriculum starting with foundational obedience and progressing to specialized skills.
The “Foundations for Success – Obedience Program Month 1” focuses on establishing core skills: On-Leash Heel, Place Training (using a designated raised platform), and Off-Leash Recall. This program emphasizes relationship, trust, consistency, positive reinforcement, and collar conditioning.
The “Competent K9 – Obedience Program Month 2” builds upon the first month, refining On-Leash Heel, introducing Off-Leash Heel, mastering Place Training, and perfecting Off-Leash Recall. This program is designed for progressive skill development and real-world application.
For hunting dogs, two specialized 3-month programs are offered concurrently with the Foundations for Success program. The “Steady-to-Flush Pointing Program” includes Off-Lead Recall, Live Bird Introduction, Live Gunfire Introduction, Place Training, Whoa Training, Tone and Whistle Conditioned Recall and Directional Change, and Steady to Flush. The “Sit-to-Retrieve Retriever Program” focuses on Sit, Trained Retrieve, Live Bird, Gunfire Acclimation, Place, Whistle and Tone Cues, Retrieve to Hand, Field Work, Steadiness Until Released, and an introduction to Whistle Sit and Casting.
Group Classes are held twice a month on Saturdays, focusing on specific skills like Heel, Place, or Recall. These classes are designed for all skill levels, offering hands-on coaching in small group settings and socialization opportunities.

Pricing Summary

Group classes are priced at $30 per class per dog with a handler, or $25 per class when booking multiple sessions.
Boarding offers two tiers: Standard and Luxury. Standard boarding is $37.5 per night for one dog, $65 for two dogs sharing a kennel, and $95 for three dogs sharing a kennel. Luxury boarding is $57.5 per night for one dog and $99 for two dogs sharing a kennel. Add-ons for boarding, such as daily walks, peanut butter Kongs, and Greenies, are $5 per dog per day per service. A $50 charge applies for Sunday pickups.
Grooming services vary by dog weight and service type. Bath and Nails range from $30 (small) to $50 (XX-Large). De-Shedding Baths range from $45 (small) to $65 (XX-Large). Bath and Haircut services range from $65 (small) to $105 (XX-Large). A Pawdicure is $20, with nail painting as an extra $10. Teeth Brushing is an additional $10.
Payment for boarding is due to book a slot. Payments are 100% refundable if canceled more than a week before the booking, and transferable if canceled a week or less before the booked stay.

Policies

For boarding, payments are 100% refundable if canceled previous to a week before the booking. Payments are transferable if canceled a week or less of the booked stay. For Sunday pickups, there is an additional $50 charge.

Covey Kennels is a dog training business led by Ethan VanDonkelaar, a seasoned professional and upland hunting guide & dog trainer. Ethan is passionate about the outdoors and dedicated to preparing dogs for success, whether as hunting companions or well-behaved family members. He specializes in developing pointing, flushing, and retrieving dogs, nurturing their natural abilities into confident and capable companions.

Covey Kennels offers a range of services including dog training, boarding, and grooming. Their training philosophy emphasizes positive, relationship-centered methods to foster trust and clear communication between dogs and their owners. They work with dogs at every stage of development, from puppies to seasoned bird dogs.

The business prides itself on professional guidance, tailored approaches, and ongoing support for clients. For boarding, they provide a comfortable, safe, and fun environment with both standard and luxury options, including Kuranda dog beds and indoor/covered sleep areas. Grooming services offer one-on-one professional care using high-quality products, with no cage drying, ensuring a calm and stress-free experience for every dog.

Accomplishments

Ethan VanDonkelaar is a seasoned professional and upland hunting guide & Dog trainer. He has a profound passion for the outdoors and a deep respect for dogs’ innate capabilities, dedicating his life to preparing dogs for success and educating people about their capabilities.

How to Get Started!

To book a dog’s stay for boarding, clients can click on the banner at the top of the page to access the booking portal. This involves creating a new account, uploading the pet’s vet information, and making a reservation request. Drop-offs and pickups are by appointment only. For training programs, interested clients are encouraged to contact Covey Kennels to get started.