Our
Vision
Our vision is to be a trusted leader in pet boarding and training services, known for our integrity, compassion, and results-driven approach. We strive to enrich the lives of pets and their families by setting the standard for quality, safety, and professionalism in everything we do.
Our
Misson
Our mission is to provide exceptional care, expert training, and a safe, welcoming environment. Through personalized attention, proven techniques, and a commitment to excellence, we help build lasting bonds between dogs and their families.
About Us
Rush Lake Kennels is a family-owned and operated dog boarding and training facility proudly serving Tooele County, Utah since 1996. Situated on over 35 acres of peaceful rural land, we provide a safe, well-maintained environment where your canine companions receive exceptional care.
Our 1,500-square-foot indoor facility is fully climate-controlled to maintain ideal temperature and humidity levels. Large windows fill the space with natural light, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere. Each dog run offers up to 40 square feet of space and includes elevated kennel decks for a clean, comfortable resting area. All guests benefit from multiple daily play sessions in our spacious outdoor exercise yard.
We are fully licensed and insured, and we follow strict daily cleaning and sanitation protocols. We have professional staff on site days and evenings, seven days a week.
At Rush Lake Kennels, we believe in individualized attention for each dog, and we are committed to fostering a respectful, supportive atmosphere for both pets and their owners. We value hard work, work-life balance, and quality service. If you share these values, we look forward to welcoming you. If not, we respectfully ask that you seek services elsewhere.
Boarding
Choose Rush Lake Kennels for trusted, attentive care tailored to your pet’s individual needs. We welcome dogs of all breeds, ages, and spay/neuter statuses. Every guest receives thoughtful, hands-on attention in a safe, comfortable environment. To protect the health of all dogs in our care, we require up-to-date vaccinations (DHPP, Rabies, and Bordetella) administered at least 14 days prior to check-in.* Book your dog's next stay with us today!
*All customers are bound by our terms & conditions.
What's Included?
-
Personalized 1:1 attention
-
Spacious indoor run with kennel deck
-
Four daily turnouts for exercise
-
Premium dog food
What to Bring?
-
Vaccination records
-
Leather or cloth collar
-
Leash
-
Medication/Vitamins
-
Food (optional)
Pricing & Payment*
*Pricing is subject to change
-
$30/night/dog + special service fees + major holiday fees
-
10% boarding discount for Active/Retired military
-
50% non-refundable deposit is required to book a reservation.
-
Remaining balance due the day prior to drop off
Training
Building a Lifelong Bond Through Training
Training is the cornerstone of a strong and lasting partnership between your family and your dog. A well-trained dog is well-mannered, eager to learn, and a joy to be around—both at home and in public. Basic obedience is the foundation upon which a dog can reach its full potential.
Don and Julie Pawlak have been professionally training dogs since 1996. Don is a certified American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen evaluator and has worked alongside respected industry professionals, including Devin Inglove of Center Creek Kennels. They bring decades of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of canine behavior to every training session.
At Rush Lake Kennels, we are committed to delivering a high-quality training experience. Our approach blends proven, time-tested methods with modern techniques and our own unique strategies developed over decades of practical experience. We are here to help you succeed! Browse our YouTube channel to see videos of training graduates.
Training Programs at Rush Lake Kennels
At Rush Lake Kennels, we offer a range of professional training programs designed to meet the diverse needs of dogs and their owners. Whether you're looking for a solid foundation in obedience or specialized training, we provide expert instruction in a supportive and structured environment. Each training option includes guidance and support to help you and your dog succeed together. Contact us or schedule a consultation to learn more — we’re here to help you build the bond that lasts a lifetime.
1. Three-Week Basic
Obedience Introduction
(Resident Program)
$1,600
Dogs stay at our facility and receive daily structured training and socialization. Perfect for puppies and dogs just starting out, this introductory program focuses on essential behaviors and manners:
-
Walking politely at heel (on leash)
-
Sit and stay (on leash)
-
Basic puppy manners (no jumping, mouthing, etc.)
Includes a 60-minute handler transition session and follow-up support to ensure continued success at home.
2. Six-Week Comprehensive Obedience Program
(Resident Program)
$3,200
Our most popular program, designed for long-term behavior success. Dogs will learn to reliably perform commands:
-
Heel, Sit, Stay, and Come (Here)
-
On-leash and off-leash obedience
-
Focus on indoor, outdoor, and high-distraction environments
-
Advanced puppy manners
Includes a 60-minute handler transition session and follow-up support to ensure continued success at home.
Testimonials
Bodhi
from Jerome Varriale
Logan, Utah
I owe a great deal to Don and Julie Pawlak for training my border collie-Aussie mix, Bodhi. Bodhi is a beautiful dog, black with a merle chest and facial markings and heterochromatic eye coloring. It was his beauty, and what little I knew of the breeds trail dog abilities, that moved me to buy him as a ten week-old puppy. While he showed intelligence and expressed a willingness to learn, my ignorance in dog training quickly turned Bodhi into an out of control and potentially dangerous dog. My pregnant wife was nervous at the proposition of having Bodhi around our soon to be born child, and I knew that if he continued down this road it would end in his demise. Out of desperation I sought out professional help to rein him in. I tried clicker and treat training. While in training sessions Bodhi responded well, picked up new commands quickly, and loved receiving his treats. At home he regressed and would only listen if he knew treats were readily available, and he remained completely out of my control in stimulating situations. Through a stroke of luck, I found Rush Lake Kennels one night while combing through Google search results. I learned about their resident dog training on their website, and then in more detail through phone conversations with Don Pawlak. I was reluctant to subject Bodhi to training techniques, which I once viewed as cruel. It was on one phone conversation that I expressed my reluctance to e-collar and prong collar training that Don asked me if I thought wolf pups were trained with clickers and treats in their pack in the wild. It was then that I realized that my approach to training Bodhi was all wrong. I put my full trust into Don and Julie and dropped Bodhi off at Rush Lake Kennels for resident obedience training at 6 months old. It was rough being away from Bodhi for so long, but there is no denying the worth of the end result. Bodhi is fully on and off leash obedience trained. His house manners have improved well beyond my expectations and he is completely under my control in all situations. I have found the e-collar to be a very useful tool that I use to teach him new commands/behaviors and for recall from long distances. Bodhi is a much healthier and happier dog as a result of his training. He now gets to reap the benefits of being under my control, and is reaching his full potential as a trail dog and ski partner. The atmosphere of my home is calm as we await the arrival of our baby, which my wife and I have no doubt will also be welcomed by Bodhi. Thanks to Don and Julie, we now have the dog we dreamed of having, and Bodhi is living a fulfilling life. Please feel free to contact me for any further questions regarding my experiences with Rush Lake Kennels. Sincerely, Jerome Varriale
Brook & Delta
from Lori Zumbrunnen
Salt Lake City, Utah
Don & Julie Pawlak, I wanted to thank you for the time you have taken out to train my Labrador Retrievers, Brook and Delta. Throughout the last 10 years that I have known you, I have brought my dogs to you for training and boarding services. I am always comfortable and confident in leaving them at Rush Lake Kennels knowing that they will be well cared for. I have enjoyed the sport of Upland Bird Hunting after learning how spectacular it can be having a dog that can find wild birds, obey my commands, and retrieve a bird to my hand without dropping it. I have developed a great passion for bird hunting after benefiting from having a fantastic hunting dog. Because of your training, Brook has received her Champion Gun Dog Title. I also wanted to mention that not only has your training assisted me in having a great hunting dog but also a great outdoor and indoor companion. When I am hiking or taking my dogs out for a walk I am always confident that they will listen to me and be obedient. Because of the Trained Retrieve, Brook will pick up anything when given the fetch command. It's amazing to watch her fetch up my car keys, my cell phone, and above all, bring me a can of diet coke! I have been very satisfied by the training and boarding you have given my dogs. Taking my dogs to Rush Lake Kennels has made my life as a dog owner easier and showed me a great passion for the outdoors. Please feel free to give my name to others as a personal reference. They can contact me at loryzz@yahoo.com. Thanks Again, Lori Zumbrunnen
Harley & Dodge
from Bud & Carol Salsbury
Sequim, Washington
My wife and I moved to Tooele Utah in 2006 and were looking for a place to board our 1 ½ year old lab Harley. A new acquaintance referred us to Rush Lake Kennel. After viewing the property, the facility, and interviewing the owners we were impressed. Don and Julie Pawlak take great pride in the maintenance and cleanliness of the kennel and it shows. Don took us on tour to see where the dogs were housed (air conditioning, stereo, individual runs, pellet stove for winter, exercise yard, stainless steel drinking and eating bowls washed twice daily). And then walked us through the daily routine of dogs under their care. Since that first meeting we have been boarding Harley at Rush Lake Kennel and will continue to do so as long as we live in Tooele. Don and Julie also offer various training for dogs of all breeds and we enrolled Harley (a very strong willed lab) in basic obedience, and later in gun dog training. His resulting willingness to listen and obey is amazing, he is easy to care for, and people ask us how we got our dog to behave so well. At the end of basic training Don and Julie trained us in seven weekly sessions in how to care for our new, well behaved dog. They did an outstanding job with Harley and with us. While boarding Harley at the kennel we have come to know Don and Julie and I have been hunting with them and his dogs Hope and Switch. And when they had pups we decided to get one to be a friend and hunting companion for us and Harley. And so Dodge entered into our lives. Dodge is that puppy that every one dreams of. He came from the litter at 2 months old with so many natural instincts that most people would consider him already trained. When we picked him up Don and Julie sat with us and explained all of the things they would stand behind such as hips, eyes, and ears, nose etc. We now have Dodge enrolled in gun dog and obedience training and can hardly wait for his return in time for the fall pheasant hunt. When someone truly enjoys their work it shows in everything they do whether it be a carpenter, bricklayer, surgeon, or kennel owner and they are always willing to give that little bit extra that sets them apart from the average. It is obvious they enjoy their work. Don and Julie of Rush Lake Kennels frequently go for classes and seminars and to competitions where they can learn and share with other trainers and breeders. I know of no other place that offers the same care and dedication as does Rush Lake Kennels. We have highly recommended Rush Lake Kennel for boarding, obedience and gun dog training. They are very competent breeders and have dogs of proven performance and a great pedigree line. If you are interested in a puppy or an already started dog I recommend Rush Lake Kennels. Bud and Carol Salsbury Tooele, Utah
Kenzie
from Mallory & Jason Dangerfield
Clearfield, Utah
Our dog Kenzie, an eight month old west highland white terrier, went through Don and Julie's resident training at Rush Lake Kennels in early 2009. After an in home consultation with Julie, we were invited back to attend the advanced dog training class that qualified Kenzie for her AKC Good Citizen Certificate. We are very pleased the results we have received from Rush Lake Kennels. Don and Julie were always willing to answer any of our questions and concerns. They have a great knowledge of dogs and really do love them. We felt very comfortable leaving Kenzie with them for the six weeks that she was there. During that time we also had our own sessions with Don and Julie, where they trained us on how to properly handle our dog and keep up her training. They showed and explained how to use all of the training aids and made sure we felt comfortable with them. We learned all the basic commands and it has made it easier for us to teach her others things. We are able to take Kenzie around children, other dogs, and new environments and feel comfortable that she will be on her best behavior. We highly recommend Rush Lake Kennels for all of your dog training needs, and are confident that you will be just as pleased with the results as we have been. Thank you Don and Julie for taking the time to train all of us, Mallory, Jason and Kenzie
Sable, Lux & Link
from Jeff & Criston Rigby
Tremonton, Utah
We sent our first dog to RLK three years ago and were so impressed with their training techniques and professionalism, we've since sent two more dogs. The obedience and force fetch training have helped our dogs with their accomplishments which include qualifying for nationals three years in a row, and qualifying for world in the NUCS division. Our dogs have won 25 dog BDC tournaments and NUCS tournaments time after time and are consistent in their hunting techniques. Our dogs are all just one win away from their titles. I firmly believe RLK is to thank. These people know dogs and genuinely care about the animals they train. I've seen them train and they always use positive reinforcement and expose the dogs to various trials. It is so gratifying to see our dogs perform their best in the field. RLK is a one of a kind kennel committed to a dogs top performance. I would recommend RLK to anyone wanting a gun dog to perform their absolute best. Jeff & Criston Rigby
Cody
from Terry & Donna Wagner
Tooele, Utah
Five weeks ago, we bought a seven months old Labrador retriever puppy from Rush Lake Kennels. The puppy, named Cody, is an outstanding dog. My wife and I love Cody. He is loving and well mannered in the house. Outside he will fetch and play as long as you want to throw. Cody has had some field training and will flush and fetch birds and is very good at recall. Don and Julie are outstanding at training their dogs. Whether it is obedience or bird training, you could not find anyone better. Don and Julie will patiently answer any question you may have; they were very patience with my questions. The boarding kennels at Rush Lake Kennels are first class. They provide air conditioning in the summer and heat in the winter. They take very good care of your dog while it is in their care. I would not kennel my dog anywhere else. Their obedience classes are great; they teach you and your dog at the same time. Whether you are looking for a trainer to teach your dog to hunt or obedience classes or a Boarding kennel you will be hard pressed to find a better place. Maybe you want to buy a great puppy? Rush Lake Kennel is your place. Don and Julie have a first class operation. P.S. Cody is not for sale, he is already family. Terry and Donna Wagner
Contact Us
Feel free to reach out with any general inquiries or to schedule a visit to our kennels. We are here to provide the best care for your pets.
Hours by Appointment
Monday - Friday: 9:00am - 11:30am & 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am - 11:00am
Closed Sundays & Holidays