Shady Mountain Pet Retreat
Shady Mountain Pet Retreat

Shady Mountain Pet Retreat

$50/hour
starting price


Service type
Type of animal

It’s free, with no obligation to book

Introduction: I have been a professional trainer for over 30 years; having successfully trained thousands of dogs and their humans. I use only positive reinforcement methods; never any aversive tools such as choke chains, prongs or e-collars. I am also an award winning author of 46 pet books, several of which are best sellers. I have created my own line of humane dog training tools sold worldwide. I can read a dog like people read a book, and instantly understand the training approach. (Keep in mind that if someone claims to be a "balanced" trainer it means they often use aversive training methods if they deem necessary. I NEVER find it necessary as I know how to train.) Shady Mountain Pet Retreat is an exclusive, luxury boarding and training facility located in the mountains of Western/Central Virginia. Pets come here to get away from it all and to learn, too. Each pet has a private indoor and outdoor temperature controlled suite with windows, raised beds, raised feeders and doggy door access to private yards. SMPR features large community play yards with climbing equipment, wading pools, pit-ball game, a three-story fort, adventure cave, hiking trails, agility training yard and a K9 therapy and conditioning pool. We offer basic on and off lead obedience, behavior modification, therapy dog training, Canine Good Citizenship training, Obedience show preparation, trained animals for media productions (movies/TV) and create great hiking companions. SMPR is owned and operated by a professional animal trainer and behaviorist who has authored 46 pet books, several of which are best sellers. Your pet will go home healthy, happy and tired. We also offer private lessons at our facility. Please call to arrange.
Overview

Hired 13 times

Serves Amherst, VA

Background checked

4 employees

41 years in business

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, Credit card, PayPal, and Square cash app.

Social media

Facebook, Instagram

Featured Projects

13 photos

Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, responsiveness, and work quality.

Very good 4.5

8 reviews

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Read reviews that mention:


pro avatar
Brock T.
Feb 20, 2020
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Miriam is the perfect trainer. Her facility is top notch and she clearly knows what she is talking about. Brought in a 10 week old puppy and we started seeing results with in the first week of training with Miriam. Every question we had, she had an answer for and they actually worked! Would recommend 10/10.

Details: 0 - 6 months old • Small (16 - 25 lbs) • Private lessons • Puppy training • Biting • Destructive behavior • Crate training • At the pro’s location

Shady Mountain Pet Retreat's reply
Thanks for the great comments, Brock. Stella is a real joy to work with. I feel blessed.
Dog Training
pro avatar
Christopher W.
Apr 4, 2018
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Answered all my questions and very interested in knowing what I want to do with my pet. We have enjoyed our one on one time with the trainer. Mason seems to be learning rather quickly. I can not say the same for his owners. Nice place, good training area.

Details: 1 dog • 0 - 6 months old • Extra large (70+ lbs) • Board and train programs at a facility • General obedience training • Leash pulling • Barking • Biting • I travel to the dog trainer

Dog Training
pro avatar
Margo s.
Oct 10, 2020
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

We brought in a wild but sweet 15 month old pup, and they have managed to tame her and make her listen, gently and without breaking her spirit. I love the set up and methods they use. And what a great place for a dog! Adventure land, mountain hikes, careful selection of playmates- too bad they don't take people. I'd stay there.

Details: 1 - 2 years old • Large (41 - 70 lbs) • Board and train at a facility • General obedience training • Leash pulling • At the pro’s location

Shady Mountain Pet Retreat's reply
Thank you for allowing me to work with Ms. Bailey. She is a great dog with tons of potential.
Dog Training
pro avatar
Elaine S.
Feb 1, 2015
I took my Standard Poodle to SMPR for Miriam to work with her on basic training & some behavior issues. With in three months I could see a huge differences not only in her behavior she had learned some basic skills. My poodle was a big challenge because of her inattentive behavior, very timid around strangers & very scared of loud noises. Miriam, took on this very difficult challenge and worked with my dog not only @ SMPR also in the obedience ring. My dog earned five titles.I am totally satisfied…I have a great companion dog that I am pleased to take anywhere I go. The quality of work was extraordinary!!
pro avatar
Barry G.
Jul 22, 2014
Our dog Klementine had a wonderful 10 day stay! Daily exercise, the company of some new canine friends, and most of all her time in the pool! We can rest easy in the future when we are travelling somewhere she cannot.
Credentials
Background Check

Miriam Fields