Among the attendants, trainers and other staff at Clearspring Kennels is a very good boy.
His name is Odin, and he’s easy to spot because he wears a brown vest. He’s also a Siberian Husky.
“Odin is my working dog, the one that got me into training,” says Katia Bergmann, co-owner and assistant manager at Clearspring, as well as head of the training program. “He’s the quirkiest, funniest dog I think I’ve ever met. He likes to let you know when he’s upset about something, and he’ll do the funniest things after he’s done working. When I take his vest off, it means he’s off the clock.”
Odin helps Bergmann train other dogs at Clearspring. He’s also an example of the unique, personalized care and attention provided by Bergmann and her team.
“Each of the dogs we work with feels like one of my own dogs,” she says. “I love it. It’s crazy how you create this connection with them. I think that’s what people really like about us. We know their dogs so well because they’re like our family.”
And family, as it happens, is something of a theme at Clearspring Kennels, which is family-owned and operated at the corner of Clearsprings Road and Road 35 E (Old Tom Road).
“I’ve had the privilege of working with my parents and my brother for many years in a different setting,” explains Kadri Neufeld, a Clearspring co-owner and kennel attendant. “It just made sense for us to add in my husband and Katia, because you can know that you’ll never be alone with a problem to solve.”
“We all get together and talk about the day-to-day, and then all of a sudden we’ll switch into kennel talk,” says Bergmann. “It’s just fun getting everyone’s input and ideas. And it feels really good to share the load with everybody, because it can be a lot sometimes.”
In addition to the many responsibilities that come with running a business, there’s the uniqueness of the canine clientele. Not unlike children’s daycare, the doggy version brings together different personalities and experiences, and tending to them is job one at Clearspring Kennels.
“Just like people, dogs don’t get along with everybody,” Bergmann explains. “It’s our job to make sure that each personality gets specific care. It’s the same with kids. You have to treat them differently because they’re individuals.”
At Clearspring’s daycare program, that means closely monitoring body language and teaching socialization, leash manners and basic obedience. More practically, large dogs are always separated from small dogs; playgroups are separated based on playstyle and energy; and the facility’s indoor and outdoor spaces ensure there’s always room to run.
“There’s such a wide array of dogs, and each has such individual tendencies and needs,” says Neufeld. “We take it very, very seriously that your dogs are loved here as much as they are at home.”
It’s the individualized attention and activity planning that sets Clearspring Kennels apart from other daycare and training programs. For example, they recently shared a video to social media that showed how they handle nervous dogs. Staff will take their time with them, never rushing, even just sitting with them to gain their trust and provide positive reinforcement.
“There’s this feeling of connecting with an animal on an almost private level,” Bergmann reflects. “The dog will look at you like, ‘Thanks for speaking to me!’ It’s really cool when you finally do stuff their way and they look at you as if they understand you and appreciate it. That trust they build with you is the best feeling in the world.”
Clearspring is also committed to dogs feeling their best, which is why they offer grooming packages as daycare add-ons. The in-house groomer can provide a Bath & Tidy (bath and blowdry, deshed/brush out, clean ears, trim nails, light tidy of bum and feet), a Full Groom (the Bath & Tidy plus a full hair cut/shape up of face and body), and numerous bespoke options.
“We can give your dog a mohawk if you really want, so it can look like a punk rocker,” jokes Bergmann.
Additional play times can also be added on for the dog to go on a walk or play fetch.
Given the size of Clearspring’s 10 acre property, Bergmann and Neufeld have several exciting plans for expansion, particularly in their outdoor offerings. But the attention they provide will remain ever present.
“The best thing you can do is learn about the dog,” says Bergmann. “The dog is learning about you, and you can create an environment where the dog can be set up for success instead of failure.”
Clearspring Kennels is located at the corner of Clearsprings Road and Road 35 E, just off Highway 12. They can be reached by calling (204) 320-9008 or by email at clearspringkennels@gmail.com. Further information regarding their services can be found on their website.