Why Cody O’Kelly Built the HHH Canine Lodge & Ranch.

Cody OKelly
Nov 20
4 min read

From Trail Dog to Trusted Facility: One Man's Mission to Raise the Standard for Canine Care

Cody O’Kelly didn’t set out to build just another dog boarding facility. What started as hiking with his Australian Labradoodle years ago became a full-time calling—a mission to redefine what genuine, holistic care for dogs looks like. Now the owner of HHH Canine Lodge & Ranch, as well as a Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist, Cody has built something that blends structure, purpose, and adventure into every dog’s stay.

Recently, he’s spent more time doing what initially sparked this journey: getting out in the woods with his Weimaraner, Tepper, for upland bird hunting. These field days—often shared with mentors, friends, and fellow trainers—continue to shape how Cody thinks about dogs, land, training, and health. And those lessons are deeply embedded in the Lodge's daily life.

The Hunt Isn’t About the Kill

Cody is quick to clarify something that many misunderstand: hunting is not about killing. To hunt means to pursue. To engage instinct, observation, and partnership—especially with a dog who has been trained not just to obey, but to think, move, and communicate in real-time.

Hunting, for many, is also about conservation. In fact, hunters have been among the most significant contributors to land and wildlife conservation in the United States, both financially and through active stewardship. Through license fees, federal excise taxes, and habitat restoration programs, hunters fund more wildlife protection and land management efforts than nearly any other group.

For Cody, hunting is a way to stay connected to the land, to the roots of partnership with a working dog, and to the responsibility that comes with using those skills with purpose and respect.

Why Tepper’s Success Isn’t Just Natural Ability

Watching Tepper work a field with discipline and drive isn’t just impressive—it’s intentional. Her success isn’t just in her genetics. It’s in the way she’s trained, the way she’s fed, and the way her body is supported year-round.

Tepper follows a raw-fed, high-protein nutrition plan tailored to her workload. She stays hydrated with goat milk and bone broth, receives routine PEMF therapy, and rests in structured recovery windows. Cody’s approach to her care is the same philosophy that guides every service at the Lodge.

Because what works for a high-performance hunting dog also works for the family dog that’s bouncing off the walls, the senior dog struggling with mobility, or the young pup who needs structure and purpose.

Winter Isn’t a Break—It’s an Opportunity

As temperatures drop, many dog owners assume their dogs need less. But winter isn’t a break—it’s a shift in needs. And Cody designs his care protocols accordingly:

Hydration still matters – Cold air suppresses thirst cues, but dogs still need consistent hydration. The team at HHH enhances meals with broth-based hydration and adds natural electrolyte support, especially for active dogs.
Paw protection is non-negotiable – Salt, ice, and snow can crack pads and reduce mobility. Dogs at the Lodge receive routine paw checks, balm application, and exposure to safe, monitored terrain.
Nutrition adjusts with the season – Tepper’s diet is increased in fat and protein during the winter to support her activity in the field. Lodge staff provide tailored meal plans for dogs with higher seasonal workloads or special needs.
Mental work matters – At HHH, enrichment doesn’t stop when the weather shifts. Dogs in boarding or training receive indoor training sessions, problem-solving games, and a structured environment that keeps their minds engaged and balanced.

These aren’t extras. They’re essentials—and they’re part of what sets HHH apart.

The Lodge: Designed for Dogs to Thrive

Cody didn’t want a place where dogs “just get through” their stay. He wanted to build a facility where dogs could thrive—physically, mentally, and behaviorally. The HHH Canine Lodge & Ranch was created from that vision.

Key features include:

23 custom-built kennels designed for airflow, comfort, and cleanliness
Acres of outdoor space for structured exploration, play, and training
Integrated board & train programs so dogs return better than when they arrived
Full-service grooming, using skin-supportive products and breed-appropriate techniques
Access to certified nutritional consultations, wellness plans, and recovery support

Whether a dog is staying for a weekend or undergoing a complete training transformation, every part of their experience is intentional.

Why It’s Personal

The journey from hiking with a dog in an old Jeep Cherokee to running a purpose-driven Lodge wasn’t just a career path—it was a calling. Cody built HHH because he saw that dogs deserved more than generic care and cookie-cutter advice. And because he believes dog owners deserve something better, too

His philosophy is simple: Every dog is unique. Every plan should be, too. Whether your dog needs behavioral support, off-leash training, better nutrition, or just a safe and enriching place to stay while you’re away, HHH offers real solutions grounded in experience and backed by results.