Old Salem Kennel, Inc. is a unique boarding facility located in Watkinsville, Oconee County, Georgia, where boarding & training active dogs is our specialty. Old Salem Kennel is owned and operated by Todd Harvey. The kennel is located at the Harvey residence where the dogs receive 24-hour supervision and care.
Old Salem Kennel was established in 1992, opening its doors to the public in 1996. As both owner and professional trainer of retriever and versatile gundog breeds, Todd Harvey is extremely knowledgeable of the unique needs of active dogs.
From the young age of seven, it was meant for Todd to take care of dogs and become a dog trainer. There were various sporting dog breeds for various purposes. Todd is blessed with the God-given ability to understand (“read”) dogs of all kinds, understand which methods of training and communication need to be used with the individual dog and then implement that given method to achieve the desired level of success. We observe this remarkable skill on a daily basis, in training sessions and in Todd’s interaction with the dogs under his care.
In the early 1990s, Todd purchased his first Labrador Retriever, Bailey. Todd began Bailey’s training to be an obedient pet as well as a hunting companion. By 1996, a passion had turned into profession. In the beginning, his focus was on Retriever Hunt tests, Gundog and Obedience Training.
By 2005 he had completely stopped competing and participating in retriever events, but remained active in the VDD-GNA organization. He continued to train gun dogs and work with obedience training, and was boarding on a limited basis. Then the LORD began to speak to him about moving the direction of the business to offer boarding and training. Todd was not sure how he felt about this change. He could not imagine becoming a “boarding facility” – lots of dogs in kennels all day, not knowing his clients by name. It just was not the way Old Salem Kennel functions.
Then the LORD brought to our remembrance a time years earlier when one of his personal dogs experienced a minor field injury. The vet who treated the injury preferred to keep animals with injuries such as these in his clinic until they were completely healed. This was a foreign concept to Todd. He always took care of his own dogs. Just clean up the injury, give me the medication and I’ll take over. But he trusted and respected this vet, so followed his recommendation leaving his dog in his care. Well about 7 days later, Todd brought his little German Shorthair Pointer home. He put him in the fenced area to run around a little. This guy ran, and ran, and ran. He ran non-stop for 45 minutes. And after a short break, ran some more.
Through this incident, Todd realized that many people have dogs with this type of energy level. They would be miserable if they were left in a kennel for a week or longer. A walk on a leash would not do these active dogs justice. They need to run! And they need to run more than once a day. Todd realized he didn’t have to be like a normal “boarding facility” and quickly caught the vision. So, in 2010, he started limiting the number of training dogs, for gundog and obedience, in order to proved boarding to those with active dogs.
Old Salem Kennel offers boarding and obedience training for all sizes and breeds of dogs; and gundog training. Dogs showing aggression towards people will not be admitted to Old Salem Kennel. I strive to give individual, quality care to my clientele and their dogs at a reasonable rate.
The total number of dogs at OSK are limited to eighteen (18) to ensure each dog receives quality care and lots of attention. It is Old Salem Kennel’s goal to make your dog’s stay an enjoyable experience. I want you to have comfort in knowing your dog is safe & happy while staying here at Old Salem Kennel. Often clients tell me when bringing their dogs back for another visit, that once their dog recognizes they are near the kennel (usually 4 -5 miles away), they get so excited. This brings me joy because I know I have meet my goal once again.
I thank the LORD each day for the wonderful privilege given to me what I do. It is a true honor to serve you.
Todd Harvey
Joshua 24:15
Old Salem Kennel, Inc.
2122 Old Salem Road Watkinsville, GA 30677
706-614-0217
Old Salem Kennel is conveniently located to: Athens, Watkinsville, Bogart, Bishop, Farmington, Madison, Greensboro, Monroe, Atlanta, Augusta and Macon, Georgia. The University of Georgia. Including the following counties: Oconee, Clarke, Morgan, Greene, Walton and Barrow County, Georgia