Our Story

About Absolute Kennels LLC

My love for dogs began when I was just a little girl, clumsily trying to teach my mom’s tiny Pomeranian tricks she probably had no interest in learning. I didn’t know what I was doing back then, but that little spark lit a fire that never went out. I was the kid who walked neighborhood dogs for free simply because nothing made me happier than being surrounded by wagging tails.

Years later, when I got my first Doberman in college, that childhood love grew into something deeper. Training wasn’t just about obedience — it was about building trust, respect, and partnership. At the time, I was raising my daughter Kaitlynn on my own, and together we learned patience, consistency, and leadership through that dog.

During those college years, I graduated from the University of Missouri (Mizzou) with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science, Pre-Veterinary focus. That education gave me a strong foundation in canine physiology, behavior, nutrition, and health — knowledge that still shapes how I care for and train every dog today.

When I met my husband, Scott, I introduced him to “house dog life.” Coming from a farm-dog background, he quickly discovered what I already knew — that dogs are more than property or protection. They are companions. They are partners. They are family.

Dogs have been part of every chapter of my life. Some have competed at high levels in working dog sports. Others simply filled our home with love and lessons. Each one shaped me as a trainer and as a person. My son grew up in this world as well, getting his first pup at age 10 and learning firsthand what structure and consistency can build. Today, he even helps me train — one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.

What started as personal passion became something bigger when friends and neighbors throughout Nevada, Missouri and Vernon County began asking for help with their dogs. Watching both dogs and owners transform showed me this wasn’t just a hobby.

It was a calling.

That calling led me to become a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and an AKC CGC Evaluator, along with additional AKC Evaluator credentials. But more importantly, it led me to create something different for families seeking professional dog training in Nevada, MO and surrounding Southwest Missouri communities.

Why Absolute Kennels Exists

Absolute Kennels was built on one belief:

Dogs deserve more than “good enough.”

We are a family-run, state-licensed, small-group facility providing premium dog boarding and professional dog training in Nevada, MO, proudly serving Vernon County, Joplin, and surrounding Southwest Missouri areas.

We blend:

• Formal education

• Professional certification

• Working dog experience

• Structured leadership

• Individualized care

We do not operate on volume.
We do not “rinse and repeat.”
We do not warehouse dogs.

If you’re searching for:

• Dog boarding in Nevada, MO

• Vernon County dog training

• Structured board and train programs near Joplin

• Premium family dog boarding in Southwest Missouri

You’re in the right place.

Every dog that walks through our doors receives thoughtful structure, calm leadership, and purposeful engagement — whether they are here for boarding or training.

Our philosophy is simple:

Think. Engage. Thrive.

Because when dogs are given clarity, structure, and leadership, they don’t just behave better — they flourish.

Absolute Kennels isn’t just a business.
It’s the result of a lifetime of learning, growing, competing, parenting, and leading.

And every dog that stays with us becomes part of that story.

Lead. Don’t Follow.