MORE THAN JUST TRAINING YOUR DOG NOT TO CROSS THE LINE ...
FULL-SERVICE FOR YOUR K9! ™
GET TO KNOW THE PACK
THE FOUNDING OF MASON DIXON K9
Since 2003, Ryan and Sandy Bulson (Mason Dixon K9) have been helping families and various organizations to rescue, re-home, track, and train dogs. Over the course of their 15 + years of tireless dedication, they have, and continue to, foster and re-home hundreds of dogs (200+ to-date), which includes litters of puppies, seniors, medically challenged dogs, and dogs with severe behavioral issues. In addition to running a Mason Dixon K9, Ryan and Sandy continue to make time assisting several rescue organizations, including holding key positions on the board and within the Mid-Atlantic German Shepherd Rescue (MAGSR) - a top 5 German Shepherd Rescue facility in the US. Their hard work, dedication, and fortitude have earned them utmost respect and many accolades within the K9 community, including the moniker, ‘The K9-Power Couple’.
In early 2021, Ryan and Sandy Bulson decided to turn their passion into a reality by opening the doors of Mason Dixon K9, a unique dog training facility located on their 50+ acre farm in Carroll County, Maryland. Serving various clients, and multiple rescue organizations up and down the East Coast, Mason Dixon K9 uses balanced training methods that are focused on the nucleus of dog-to-owner communication and relationship. One of the key elements that sets Mason Dixon K9 apart from other training facilities is during sessions, Mason Dixon K9 trainers distill and tailor complex training methods and techniques, creating a 1:1 balanced training regimen that is specific to each dog’s needs and client training requests.
This in itself may appear simple and obvious, but most facilities use a ‘cookie-cutter’ approach; meaning they use the same techniques on all dogs. With this unique approach, this ensures a higher level of communication between canine and companion, removing any barriers while delivering a well-behaved canine family member. Before each client/family leaves the Mason Dixon K9 facility with their newly trained companion, Mason Dixon K9 ensures there is an understanding of what your dog has learned during their stay with a comprehensive post-training session with all family members. The support for all graduates doesn’t end when you leave the facility, Mason Dixon K9 is always there to answer questions and address concerns.
Mason Dixon K9 understands that choosing the right trainer can be intimidating (overwhelming), but this philosophy and approach has given the Mason Dixon K9 training program continued growth and numerous success stories, even with the hardest K9 behavioral issues.
Mason Dixon K9 offers an array of services to all dog breeds ranging from 2-12 week sessions:
OUR CERTIFICATIONS
MEET THE PACK
RYAN BULSON
HEAD TRAINER & CO-OWNER
AKC CERTIFIED - CANINE GOOD CITICZEN (CGC) EVALUATOR®
Ryan has put in more than 700 hours of studying and hands-on training into obtaining his certifications, and diligently strives to stay current with the latest strategies and additional certifications through continuing education. He has strengthened his experience and reputation by working with Steve Hagey, one of the best dog trappers in the US, of Detect a Pet. In addition, both Ryan and Sandy have worked with Find Toby of Pennsylvania, not only assisting in the growth of the Find Toby network, but also tracking and finding lost pets in PA and neighboring states.
With Ryan’s laser focus on balancing the right training techniques that are individually tailored to best suit each dog and training requests, he is also focused on ensuring all trainers and staff apply the same precision to every dog for their duration at the Mason Dixon K9 facility. Aside from executing these critical duties, his hands-on, hard-working philosophy proves to be the perfect approach with each success story, graduate, and staff member at the Mason Dixon K9 facility.
When his focus isn’t on Mason Dixon K9, he balances his time to serve on the Board of Directors of the Mid-Atlantic German Shepherd Rescue (MAGSR). His service goes beyond the board, but this also warrants many successful adoption stories coming from MAGSR. In his downtime, Ryan loves spending time with his amazing family and enjoys life on the farm.
SANDY BULSON
CO-OWNER
Sandy has spent her life helping others and has found exceptional success doing so. The achievements of Mason Dixon K9 are attributed to the dynamic, hard-working and passion of both Ryan and Sandy; while Ryan focuses on the training and exterior of Mason Dixon K9, Sandy is the backbone of this unique facility. The day-to-day operations of Mason Dixon K9 are no small task, but she makes them look incredibly easy while balancing volunteer work with Mid-Atlantic German Shepherd Rescue (MAGSR), and her family (which includes everything on the 50+ acre farm). Her sweet and passionate demeanor are welcoming, and as you get to know her, Sandy’s drive for perfection is a positive force of good to be reckoned with. She prides herself on the accomplishments but is very proud of her family and their achievements.
When Sandy isn’t focused on the daily operations of Mason Dixon K9, she turns her focus to her positions within the Mid-Atlantic German Shepherd Rescue (MAGSR), of intake and vetting. She plays a critical role within the Intake team (evaluating dogs that enter the rescue), and overseeing the vetting group - ensuring medical protocols and vet visits are in place, in addition to interviewing potential adopters. Having this background also plays a significant role in the staggering achievements of Mason Dixon K9. Using these unique skill sets to give a different perspective into the dogs that come to Mason Dixon K9, has proven to be a winning strategy.
MICHELLE H.
TRAINER
AKC CERTIFIED - CANINE GOOD CITICZEN (CGC) EVALUATOR®
What started out as part-time quickly grew into full-time, full-passion for Michelle. She began her professional career as a teacher, but as soon as she stepped foot onto the 50+ acre farm, that was it, she was in and had to flip from teaching full-time to training full-time. With a family and three dogs of her own, she’s very familiar with ensuring there is balance, clarity, focus in order to achieve goals; all the elements of a well balanced trainer.
If Michelle isn’t on the farm improving her techniques, you can find her with her family, dogs included, doing something outdoors or cheering on the Baltimore Ravens.
SUSAN G.
TRAINER MANAGER/TRAINER
Susan grew up with dogs, and has always had dogs in her life, even while balancing the chaos of a family and various activities. Passionate about providing a loving and caring environment to dogs who may not have had that in the past, Susan decided to fulfill her dream to help train dogs.
Her family knows her as kind, gentle, caring, all the while keeping you on task; perfect traits of a trainer. If Susan isn’t at Mason Dixon K9 pouring herself into the betterment of all the dogs, you can find her with her family and their two GSD (German Shepherds), supporting first responders in some capacity, or hunting down the perfect subject matter for the perfect photograph.
HALEY S.
HEAD GROOMER
As an active mother to three kiddos and two fur babies, Haley is busy but manages to stay up-to-date with anything dog and grooming related. While working with dogs brings her much joy, knowing how much her furry clients mean to her clients motivates her to take extra care and go above and beyond. Over the years, Haley has learned to read the dog's smallest expressions and signals (micro-expression) of how things are going on her grooming table, and she will stop a groom just to ensure her furry clients aren’t stressed or struggling. “It’s supposed to be a fun and relaxing experience, and the more my client exposes their dog to grooming, the better it is for everyone - including the health care of the dog's skin and coat.” Self-proclaimed “Grooming-Geek”, Haley stays in-the-know with the latest findings of how best to care for various breeds of dogs with their varying skin and coat types. “It’s amazing… there’s so much out there and I am happy to distill the information so you can have the healthiest and best-looking dog on the block!”
Going above and beyond, Haley has devised a program called “Grooming-Give-Back”, a program that was founded when one of her clients hit a rough patch and she felt compelled to not only help her furry client but express her gratitude to her client. She explains it as: “Grooming is such a passion for me that if I know a client is struggling, I will never allow a family/person to have their dog go without grooming due to financial hardship, and to show appreciation and in the spirit of charity, I choose a new or existing client to receive a free groom to show my gratitude in the spirit of charity.” Her program goes from October 1st until January 1st and includes a good dose of shelter dogs looking to be adopted!
When Haley isn’t grooming, keeping up with the latest trends, you can find her organizing one of her 16 pairs of Vans shoes, or setting them aside to jump in to do anything involving water with her family: paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming, or fishing!
ANGIE J.
TRAINER
Angela grew up with many dogs, and it’s impossible for her to recall a memory without one in it. Fast-forward to 2004, her passion for dogs began to solidify into a profession after entering in her first dog dock-diving competition with her Chocolate Lab, Nestle. Angela then became a charter member and the first President of the Keystone Dock Dogs Club. Through this club, Angela would not only help handlers strengthen their abilities, but also gain confidence and see her own potential as a professional dog trainer. Angela also participated in several other canine sports and enjoyed training dogs in canine disc, weight pull, and tracking and agility.
During her professional career (outside of dogs), Angela was a middle school physical education teacher as well as the school’s track and field coach. It was this incredible experience that encouraged her to become a Certified Canine Fitness Trainer through the University of Tennessee. This program not only facilitated her gradual transition from child educator to canine trainer, but broadened her understanding and strengthened her abilities of canine behaviors. When Angela is not applying her superior capabilities with the Mason Dixon K9 Family, you can find her enjoying the outdoors or engaging in canine sports.
VIVIANA A.
TRAINER
Viviana knew at an early age she was meant to help animals. At age 12 she began the rewarding, but arduous task of fostering dogs from a local rescue. From there, her love for animals blossomed into more volunteer work. Outside of school and MDK9, Viviana enjoys spending time volunteering at the local nature center working with reptiles and amphibians. When she is home, her full attention is on her dogs, multiple lizards and fish.
EMMA V.
PET RESORT MANAGER
After saving a stray Pitbull terrier from wandering the streets in her town, Emma knew she was in the right line of work. The story of his rescue is unfortunately a familiar story of dogs who are rescued, but to experience it first hand early on certainly solidified her passion to help all dogs of varying breeds. Emma goes on to explain her experience of the wayward hound and her quest to find the owner, “…judging by his paws and body condition, he was running for days, and after multiple posts, he went unclaimed. So I did everything I could to take care of him - including taking him to the vet and boarding him at the kennel I previously worked at so I could watch him at all times. And now he’s living his best life with his new family in North Carolina!”
While Emma is passionate about taking care of dogs, she's also a talented artist and has had her work featured at BWI Airport, describing that experience as “surreal”! When Emma isn’t with Mason Dixon K9 caring for dogs, you can find her either caring for her pets, getting ready to head to a concert with friends, or laser focused on her next artful creation!
COURTNEY S.
PET RESORT MANAGER
Courtney isn’t a stranger to helping dogs in need; her family has fostered and helped many dogs find their furever homes and only ‘foster failed’ with four of those pups! She has experience with tough cases, but handles it like a professional given her background in nursing. In fact, she saved one of MDK9’s boarding dogs from a case of bloat! When asked to describe working at Mason Dixon K9, Courtney says with glee: “Working at MDK9 is a dream come true, not only do they treat each dog as if they were their own, but I really do love coming into work every day... It truly is the best job I could ever ask for!” When Courtney isn’t at the Resort helping her furry friends to play hard, you can find her doing something dog related with rescues
ERIKA W.
KENNEL TECHNICIAN MANAGER
Growing up on a farm has given Erika a special appreciation for all animals, especially cows and dogs. It wasn’t a surprise that at a young age Erika knew she was destined to work with animals. She is a certified veterinary technician and is studying to become a certified dog groomer. When Mason Dixon K9 had an opening, Erika seized the opportunity and joined the MDK9 Family.
When she’s not playing with pups on the MDK9 farm, you can find her studying or doing farm chores taking care of her fur babies.
MOLLY C.
SENIOR KENNEL TECHNICIAN
As a native Marylander, Molly’s early life has been filled with all things related to farms, farm animals (cows, chickens, dogs, cats and a duck), and of course farm work as tasks were delegated throughout her large family. Wanting to focus her attention on dogs, she decided to expand her experience and knowledge. Molly found work at kennels and a local breeder doing various tasks. As she continued her quest for more hands-on experience, she set her goals high and took a leap to work with Mason Dixon K9. Molly is ecstatic to be with both her human and furry packs at MDK9, and when she’s not at the farm taking care of all the pups, you can find her helping to rehome animals, drawing, playing volleyball, hanging with friends or taking care of her own animals.
ERIKA C.
SENIOR KENNEL TECHNICIAN
Erika has always had a passion for caring for and helping animals, but wasn’t interested in some of the details of being a veterinarian; so the next best thing was working with Mason Dixon K9. Erika came to know Mason Dixon K9 when her neighbor introduced her; Ryan played a critical role in returning her neighbors dog after she got loose. After much thought and consideration, the hard work to provide the best care for all the dogs coming to the farm at Mason Dixon K9 greatly appealed to Erika. It takes a special person to tune out all the noise of the world and focus the attention to the needs of dogs, and she does just that while working shoulder to shoulder with the human pack at MDK9. When Erika isn’t helping neighbors free a deer from a fenced in yard, welding, or snuggling up to various animals, you can find her taking in a sunset with either or both of her pets.
BLY W.
SENIOR KENNEL TECHNICIAN
It’s no surprise that Bly has a passion for animals and wants to become a veterinarian - life on her family’s farm with chickens, cats, dogs, cows, pigs…oh and a turtle will do that! Bly’s decision to pursue a profession where she can take care of animals was solidified after she raised more than 10 kittens, but in particular, saved and nurtured back to health a weeks-old kitten from her family’s cow pasture. After bottle feeding that kitten (her now her 6-year-old cat Jinx), she is beyond ecstatic to be able to pour herself into the well-being of all the dogs at Mason Dixon K9 - a place she is honored to be a part of. Bly goes on to explain why, “...besides reading the great reviews of Mason Dixon K9 (the farm) made me see how professional and how seriously everyone takes care of the dogs which made me feel confident I was applying to an ethical business.” Accustomed to a fast-paced, high-demand with attention to detail, Bly is right at home with MDK9. When she is not watching over all the dogs with MDK9, you can find her either studying, snuggling up with any of her pets to a good movie or baking something delicious!
SARAH O.
SENIOR KENNEL TECHNICIAN
As a college student, Sarah’s plate is relatively full, but she will always make time for the Mason Dixon K9 family and any dog in need. It’s her aspiration to open a dog sanctuary one day, so all those wayward pups have a place to call home. Until then, she's diligently studying at school and picking up the in’s and outs and nuances of canine behavior, and how to keep the best environment for each dog and their unique personalities. When asked why drew her to Mason Dixon K9, she quickly responded with passion: “...It’s their professional environment, but also a very loving, and family oriented environment…” Sarah goes on to explain how much she's learning not only about canine behavior, but also about herself. If shes not working hard with MDK9, or studying you can find her exploring on a nature hike or relaxing with her family, friends and of course her dogs!
RAIGEN B.
KENNEL TECHNICIAN
Raigen is not a stranger to fast-paced, demanding environments and applies her skillset so she can best serve all the pets at Mason Dixon K9. Using her past experiences to distill the non-verbal cues from the dogs at MDK9, Raigen and her team create just the right environment optimal for unparalleled care. Raigen is an ambitious college student and is using her time at MDK9 to hone in on her skills. You can find her balancing her passions and love for dogs, working with her human pack, reading books about forensic psychology or watching psychological thrillers or horror movies.
SAVANNA M.
KENNEL TECHNICIAN
Savanna is no stranger to multitasking, not only is she preparing for college, but she has three dogs with varying needs; a Rottweiler/Mastiff mix, an American Mastiff and to round out the experience, a Shih Tzu Jack Russel Mix. In addition to these three very different dogs, she also loves to ride horses. Savanna believes that having these experiences has helped to prepare her for her collegiate endeavors - a degree in Animal Studies and Equine Management. When she isn’t focused on her scholastic aspirations, you can find her soaking up all the knowledge around her and learning everything she can about animal behavior. Being on the Mason Dixon K9 farm gives her access not only to countless dogs, but the sheep and chickens that are often wandering around providing natural distractions for dogs in training are an added benefit for animal studies and behavioral sciences. “Working closely with so many different breeds on 50+ acres of land is a dream come true! All the animals are so happy, and they all love their stay!” When Savanna isn’t providing love, care and attention to the dogs, you can find her rescuing kittens, riding horses, writing her novel or playing D3 soccer for her college - what an accomplishment!
ELLA M.
KENNEL TECHNICIAN
Ella proved early on she's more than capable of helping animals in almost any situation, so when her neighbor called asking for help to find their notorious escape artist dog, Ella and her family jumped at the opportunity to assist to help find the missing pooch. After multiple hours of searching, Ella found the poor guy distressed and with his leash tangled around the tree. Quickly assessing the situation, and ensuring he didn’t sustain any major injuries, Ella took the time to calm him down and assure him all will be well and he would be sleeping in his own bed that evening. After this experience, Ella knew she wanted to find a professional career working with animals with an employee she could grow with. “They give us so much love and they deserve nothing less in return, and Mason Dixon K9 gives me that opportunity - and I’m very thankful for this opportunity!” When Ella isn’t working hard to take care of all the dogs, and learning new ways she can grow her passion for animals into a lasting career, you can either find her listening to music while practicing guitar, drawing or reading.
HALEY G.
KENNEL TECHNICIAN
At the beginning of her career, Haley knew she was on the right path. Taking in and absorbing as much knowledge as she could, she did everything she could in order to get her hands on with various animals to ensure their safety and comfort. One animal in particular caught her attention and heart, a cat she would later call Barney Chip. This poor cat was brought in as a stray and needed a lot of care and attention. “Adopting him was one of the best decisions and it showed me the purity of love from an animal being helped, regardless of their previous situation.” Haley wanted to continue to fulfill her passion and grow her knowledge into a solid career path, so when Mason Dixon K9 had an opening, she pounced and hasn’t looked back! Ecstatic to be a part of the MDK9 pack, she is even more passionate not only about the care and feeding of the dogs under their care, but also growing with the MDK9 family. If Haley isn’t on the farm or at the resort, you can find her spending her free time creating art of various mediums, or spending quality time with friends and family.
CASSIE K.
OFFICE MANAGER
After graduating from college, Cassie began her professional career in health care and stayed in the industry for nearly two-decades. Holding her degree in psychology, she felt it was time to expand her horizons to something she has been passionate about her entire life; helping others and communicating. It wasn’t until nearly a decade ago when her family lost their beloved lab, that they discovered that fostering would heal the heartache. Since then, Cassie and her family have fostered more than 70 dogs, all the while maintaining a busy family life in addition to two dogs of her own; Hendrix from MAGSR, and Joplin (foster fail) from Double Dog Dare Rescue.
When Cassie isn’t busy managing Mason Dixon K9 social media, you can find her looking after her family, fostering more dogs in need, or engaging in any number of outdoor activities like camping or kayaking.
KARA A.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Kara has found a way to bridge the gap between her passion and love for fiction books, communications and dogs by pouring herself into the role of social media for Mason Dixon K9. Here she is able to sort through all the adorable photos of dogs on the farm and at the resort, and share the experiences of the furry companions staying with MDK9. Whether at the training facility on the 50-acre farm, or at the Full-Service Pet Resort, Kara carefully curates all training and love being doted on all the pups - and it’s a hard job sorting through hundreds of photos of adorable pups…including photos of her own two poodles. When Kara isn’t posting to social media, you can find her either perusing through her large collection of signed books, assisting indie romance authors in the publishing industry or doting on her two adorable pups.
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