Situated on over 100 acres in South Branch, Nova Scotia, Aqua Terra Kennels is a prime example of the adage, “If you build it, they will come.” At first, everyone thought owner Andy Teas was crazy for building his pool and dock in the middle of a pasture in 2015. Since then, people have visited from three local provinces and even farther away, enjoying onsite offerings for diving, retriever training and other dog sports.
“I got involved in the sport in 2014 just by chance,” Andy said. “I was away on a trip with my dogs, and we stayed at a friend’s place where they had a dock diving pool. One of my young dogs, Phin, took to it right away. He was the inspiration behind it all, and I’ve been adding to my facility every year since 2015.”
Aqua Terra spans a 30’ by 36’ training facility, huge retriever pond, off-grid cabin and onsite dry camping. Andy tries to ensure that every team who visits the facility leaves with some sense of progress, from celebrating a dog going off the ramp for the first time to jumping a longer personal best. If a dog isn’t having fun at the pool that day, there are also 50 acres of cultivated fields for people to walk and play with their dogs instead.
“We prioritize everyone’s fun and confidence here, both at the pool and in the field,” Andy said. “We always strive to bring things back to a positive spot. I have all the patience in the world for our dogs. They have a special place in all our hearts, and I’ve been fortunate enough to build my life and business around them.”
More information about the facility and its events can be found on the Aqua Terra Kennels Facebook page. A new website will be available in 2024 at AquaTerraKennels.com.
Andy (background) with his partner Courtney and her dog Merlin