A lifelong love of dogs, put to work
Quarryridge Labradors and K9 Training is Mandy Michels and her family — breeding, showing and training Labrador Retrievers from our home in Fonthill, in the heart of the Niagara Region.
Breeder, trainer, handler — and dog person first
Mandy has been around dogs her entire life, and from a young age she knew she wanted to work with them. She studied dog training at Dave McMahon’s Dog Training Academy, then earned her Veterinary Assistant diploma from Northern College and worked in the veterinary field until she started her family.
That mix of training and veterinary experience shapes everything at Quarryridge: health testing before every breeding, puppies raised with care in our home, and training that’s practical, patient and fun.
Showing is a family affair, too — Mandy handles our dogs in the conformation ring, and the next generation is learning the ropes in junior handling.
Milestones
- 2008
Graduated from Dave McMahon’s Dog Training Academy, qualified to teach obedience, scent detection and personal protection.
- 2010
Graduated with honours from Northern College as a Veterinary Assistant and went on to work in the veterinary field.
- 2022
Registered the Quarryridge kennel name with the Canadian Kennel Club and welcomed Tonka.
- 2023
Became a Certified Trick Dog Instructor through Do More With Your Dog. Tonka finished her Canadian Championship.
- 2024
Became a CKC Canine Good Neighbour evaluator. Our first Quarryridge litter was born — including Quill.
- 2025
Quill finished her Canadian Championship, and our second litter arrived.
- 2026
Our first yellow litter, Quill’s Best of Breed wins — and her first litter on the way.
Our approach to breeding
- Health first. OFA hips and elbows, PennHIP, eye exams and DNA testing for Labrador-specific conditions on every breeding dog.
- Proven in the ring. Our breeding girls are Canadian Champions, evaluated by CKC judges against the Labrador breed standard.
- Trained, not just bred. Tonka holds Novice through Advanced trick titles and her Canine Good Neighbour title — temperament matters as much as looks.
- Raised at home. Puppies grow up in our house with our family and our dogs.
- CKC registered. Every puppy is registered with the Canadian Kennel Club. We’re also a member breeder of the Labrador Owners Club.
Let’s talk about your next Lab — or the dog you have now
Questions about an upcoming litter or a training program? Reach out and Mandy will get back to you personally.