Despite the harsh effects of the recession on our economy a new business is opening its door to the public, well, mainly to the four legged public. Located in the picturesque rural area of East Cork, between the villages of Knockraha and Watergrasshill, A1-K9 is a modern first class Dog Boarding Kennels and Training Centre.
As a result of extensive research, including visits to similar businesses in Germany, the UK and Ireland, the proprietors Martin Noonan and Brigitte Schorn had a very clear vision of what they wanted to achieve. As there are no Irish Guidelines for Boarding Kennels yet, the couple designed and built the complex to a very high European Standard.
Inspired by their love for their own dogs and equipped with an exceptional understanding of the needs of our canine friends, the couples’ ultimate goal is, to provide stress free and comfortable boarding for every type and breed of dog.
The complex has a very modern special care unit for injured or convalescing dogs. These animals can be constantly observed from a friendly and welcoming reception area. For working dogs and family pets of all sizes and breeds A1-K9 provides brightly painted, comfortable temperature-controlled individual kennels, each with indoor bedding area and it’s own over roofed outdoor run. All dogs will also benefit from large exercise runs, agility area and daily walks on the 2-acre property.
A1-K9 provides a professional dog training service, i.e. Obedience-, Socialising-, Agility- and Individual training as well as training dogs for specific purposes (i.e. companion dogs, therapy dogs). The couples’ expertise stems from years of involvement in dog training for search and rescue, water rescue and other working dogs.
Talking about how the recession will impact on their new business the couple is optimistic. “The combination of Boarding Kennels and professional Dog training will give our business an advantage over other Boarding Kennels, Brigitte Schorn told The Avondhu.
“As every dog owner will confirm, there is nothing more satisfying than walking with a well behaved dog in public. A dog that does not pull on the lead and sits on command, ignores other dogs and does not jump up on people is every dog owners pride and joy. We are here to help people achieve that,” says Brigitte.
Martin can see huge potential in training dogs for specific purposes. He is currently concentrating on qualifying his own dogs for water rescue. He says: “Our own Irish dog training ability is largely unknown. I aim to change that; I want to put Ireland on the map.”
