We are proud to offer a professional quality boarding kennel with personal service.We will feed according to your instructions and schedule; fresh cold water replaced at least twice a day and a nice shady area to rest. He/she will be walked a couple of times a day, and given lots of hugs and tummy rubs! Our kennels are very large and each can accommodate more than one dog if from the same home.Just as there are diverse & varying degrees of accommodation available for people -- from the ever popular Hostel & B&B experience to luxury hotels that pamper anyone's desires, so there is a large number of various options available to the dog owner.

It is not possible to have our beloved dog share every holiday with us (Cancun or England isn't dog-tourist friendly) or sometimes a business trip requires us to consider temporarily entrusting the care of our beloved dog to someone. There are a number of choices to consider as we have become more conscious of the impact that our choices have on both the environment and the health of our "adopted" & extended family of pets!

The traditional kennel environment is typically adequate to provide the care required to house your pet during your absence.
The general accommodation provided is much like a good basic B&B or Hostel -- A good kennel will have a clean run, shade and dry comfortable sleeping quarters. Unlimited access is provided to clean drinking water & the dogs feedings are routinely scheduled to encourage good health & well being.
There are many exceptionally fine and suitable kennels in the Saskatoon area that offer these services.

Dog sitters can offer a more personal touch. Typically these solutions offer more human contact and "playtime". Often there is sense that your absence will be less traumatic if your pooch is kept in the familiar surroundings of your own home or in another "home" like environment!

Of course; your dog will either be "housed" in someones personal home or you need to feel very confident in providing unlimited / unrestricted access to your own home while you are away. Remember, this isn't having someone you or your dog knows coming for a visit -- but a stranger that is entering his/her territory while you are away or keeping you dog in a home that may not be as secure or dog friendly as a typical kennel!

There are some very skilled & talented dog sitters available - but be aware of the risks and limitations -- interview the sitter accordingly, in order to make the very best selection! We have many clients begging us to take Rover at the last minute as the dog sitter changed their plans.

When we had our previous kennel (CKC Registered Saint Bernards) in the early 1990's -- we felt that we had provided the very best in comfortable accommodations for our dogs and the select number of boarders - who's care we were entrusted with.

Our old kennel had concrete floors for ease of cleaning, outside runs and we often socialized the boarding dogs with our own & each other.

Pretty standard fare for the times!

With age comes wisdom & experience!

At Hummingbird Hollow - We have selected an area for our exclusive Breeding / Boarding Kennel with the utmost consideration for the environment and to provide a more natural experience for our dogs.
This time we have selected sand base for the outside runs instead of the concrete that has been the kennel standard for more years than I can count. Sand is naturally comforting for the dog & therapeutic for the limbs and joints - they also get a real kick out playing in it! Sand is a natural substance that easily brushes out of the coat when dry and is dog "adjustable" to the just the right level of comfort - and it's cool in the summer heat !!
Sand based kennels are also environmentally friendly, clean up nicely, and they don't retain bacteria or require the application of potentially dangerous, harmful or earth damaging disinfectants or solvents. This natural process eliminates any associated health risks for our dogs!! The kennels rinse clean and filters directly back into ecosystem by the simple application of water. Underneath all this sand is a wire base secured to railway ties, so there will be no digging escapees!

More info about sand filter system here

The interior is also a bit different than most, designed for the dog's comfort. The ceilings are quite low, and most of the walls are solid. They can see out of course, but can enjoy the comfort of being in a den-like setting, which is the natural choice for dogs. Also, they can't see each other inside so there will be no intimidation when eating, and a much more peaceful environment. They are much more relaxed than the old school way of building kennels.

Dogs are after all - regardless of the breed - pack animals. There is a leader and a pecking order that establishes a very complex social / class order. Our previous experience with the "socializing" of boarders confirmed that though there is significant value in the process - there is also significant risks.

The introduction of dogs from various other "packs" can lead to injury or worse if not part of a formal socializing program.

A program of socialization requires the very active participation of the owner in the process!

If you have one dog or twenty -- you are the leader or alpha dog of the pack -- your dog(s) looks up to you for guidance and direction in an unfamiliar or potentially threatening confrontation. Introductions and proper care must be exercised at all times -- dogs should never be introduced without the owner present and actively participating in the socializing process.

There are many very good Dog Clubs & Associations that can prepare you and your dog for a positive social experience.

At Hummingbird Hollow; we encourage socializing of your dog -- we have agility & basic obedience classes you are welcome to participate in!!

We will not at anytime place your dog in a situation where it will be with someone else's dog, without your complete & continuous involvement!!

We have built these kennels for our dogs, as we are planning on a litter of little Newfoundland puppies in the near future.(is there such a thing as little Newfies?) It’s also just nicer for them to be outdoors in the nice weather more and in the house less. However, there is room for boarders here as well and we enjoy playing with other dogs too! Our rates start at $18.00 per dog per day with discounts for more than one dog. Please contact us at 384-2528 for more information.

Doggie's fun group

Last year we had a group come out here once a week to have a fun time training our dogs and a nice social time afterward. If your interested drop us a note.

I can help others learn the basics of agility; as well as doing some obedience training; but if there are people out there more advanced than myself; please come and share your expertise as well. Our intent is to have a casual,fun group; not to be making money doing this.

Unfortunately we must have a few rules, so here they are.

- Dog must be on leash when arriving, and when you are not having a turn at the agility course.

- No aggressive dogs please

- No smoking near any buildings or combustible material. Bury your butts!

- Clean up your dog poo if in our main area

- Dogs are not allowed in with the horses at any time.