High-energy sporting dogs have different needs than the average companion dog.
About Westrock Kennels
More Than a Kennel. A Place for Dogs to Develop.
At Westrock Kennels, our work is centered around one thing: developing better dogs and better partnerships between dogs and their handlers.
Located just outside High River, Alberta, Westrock is a specialized facility focused on bird dog training, obedience, breeding, and boarding for high-energy sporting dogs. Our approach is rooted in practical experience, structured training, and a deep understanding of what working dogs need to succeed—not only in training, but in the real-world environments where they are expected to perform.
We don't believe there is a shortcut to developing a reliable dog. Good training is built through clear communication, consistency, appropriate expectations, and a thoughtful progression of skills. Our programs are designed to develop those skills systematically while taking into account the individual dog, its experience, and its goals.
What we know
Our Expertise
Our primary focus is the development of versatile hunting dogs, with particular expertise in German Shorthaired Pointers and other high-drive sporting breeds.
Our experience extends beyond basic obedience. We work with dogs developing the foundational skills necessary for life in a hunting home, including responsiveness, steadiness, bird work, field skills, and the ability to work reliably around the distractions and excitement of the field.
Our involvement with NAVHDA has further shaped our approach to evaluating and developing versatile hunting dogs. Working within a system that places an emphasis on natural ability, trainability, cooperation, and performance has given us a valuable framework for understanding what makes a successful hunting dog—and how those qualities can be developed and refined through training.
A practical approach
Training With Purpose
We focus on building reliable, transferable skills
Our goal is to develop reliable, transferable skills that hold up beyond the training environment.
A dog may perform beautifully in a controlled setting, but true training is measured by what happens when the environment becomes exciting, distracting, or unpredictable. That's why our training emphasizes progression, consistency, and real-world application.
We assess each dog individually and build training around where that dog is today, rather than forcing every dog through the same process at the same pace.
We also believe that training doesn't end when the dog goes home. A successful training program includes teaching the handler how to communicate clearly, maintain the dog's training, and continue building on the foundation established at Westrock.
Built for their needs
Working With Working Dogs
They require appropriate physical outlets, mental engagement, structure, and clear expectations. When those needs are understood and properly managed, their drive becomes one of their greatest strengths.
Our facility and daily routine are designed with those dogs in mind. Dogs have opportunities for structured exercise, off-leash activity, social interaction when appropriate, and individual time with our team.
We maintain a small-capacity facility intentionally. This allows us to provide a more individualized experience and to know the dogs in our care—not simply as kennel numbers, but as individuals with their own personalities, habits, strengths, and needs.
How we hold the line
Our Standards
We believe expertise also means knowing what not to do.
No rushed results
We don't believe in rushing a dog through training simply to produce a quick result. We don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach, and we don't accept every training case.
A clear specialty
Our specialty is developing and refining working and sporting dogs. We are not a behavioural rehabilitation facility and do not specialize in serious aggression or complex behavioural cases.
Honest expectations
We believe in being honest about what a dog is ready for, what a particular program can accomplish, and what will be required from the owner after training is complete.
Our reputation is built on doing the work properly—not simply promising results.
The people behind Westrock
Meet the Team
Steve & Marissa
Westrock Kennels was built from a shared passion for dogs, hunting, and the process of developing a dog to its potential.
Steve's primary focus is training and developing hunting dogs, with particular interest in bird work, obedience, and the development of versatile hunting dogs. He serves as a lead trainer with local NAVHDA chapters, volunteers at training events, and is part of the NAVHDA Apprentice Judge Program. He places a strong emphasis on professional development, learning from industry leaders, and cultivating relationships within the hunting-dog community to continually expand and refine his knowledge and approach.
Marissa plays an integral role in the day-to-day care and management of the kennel, puppy development, client experience, and the many details required to operate a high-standard facility. She also supports NAVHDA training events and contributes to the NAVHDA VHD magazine.
Together, we have built Westrock around a simple philosophy:
Dogs deserve to be understood, developed, and handled with purpose.
Whether a dog comes to us for boarding, training, or as part of our breeding program, our goal is the same—to provide thoughtful care, meaningful development, and an experience that prepares both the dog and its owner for success.
A thoughtful fit
Why Westrock?
We are intentionally small. We specialize rather than trying to be everything to everyone. And we believe that the quality of a dog's development is directly connected to the quality of the environment, training, and communication surrounding it.
For us, this isn't simply a business built around dogs.
It's our work, our lifestyle, and a responsibility we take seriously.
If you're looking for a facility that understands high-drive sporting dogs and takes a thoughtful, practical approach to their development, we'd be happy to talk with you about whether Westrock is the right fit for you and your dog.