Shady Mountain Pet Retreat
Pet Boarding and Training
Miriam is a prolific writer and author of 48 books. If you have interest in learning more about dogs, cats or horses, you can sign up for her Substack Newsletter below:
This past year there have been outbreaks of kennel cough, dog flu, roundworm, and giardia throughout our area. All kennels, daycares, veterinarians and other pet facilities have had to battle these issues. We are no different. As careful as we are (and we do have the most stringent arrival requirements of any facility in the state), things can happen. Please be patient and follow all entry requirements so that we can better serve you and your pets. We will not accept any pet without hard copies of negative antigen fecal tests (to include giardia and coccidia), and all required vaccinations. If your pet is coughing, please go to your vet immediately! We will not accept them for entry at our facility. If your vet doesn't offer something on our list, go to another vet. We won't accept dogs without their Lepto or Dog Flu vaccines. All vets need to send out the fecal sample to be checked by a lab or the test is not sufficient for entry to SMPR. (Again, an antigen test) The lab tests cost more but also show more than a fast vet office SNAP test or fecal float. If your dog is diagnosed with any type of parasites and gets a first treatment, that is still not sufficient for entry. They must go through all treatment and be retested prior to entry. This is why we recommend getting the testing done 2 weeks prior to arrival. It can take 10 days for treatment.
Any dog that regularly goes to doggie daycare will be quarantined for at least 5 days prior to being allowed to play with other dogs. Dogs who show symptoms of kennel cough or dog flu must depart immediately. We'd be happy to transport, if needed.
Our reputation means everything to us. We want the best for your beloved pet and must take precautions. Worms, giardia and coccidia get into the soil and require expensive, time -consuming work to remove. Kennel cough and dog flu can require us to shut down for 2 weeks of sanitizing.
Virtual Dog Training Lessons Available
If your dog is younger than three months of age, or very shy, consider virtual training. This is also a good option if you have concerns about your personal health, or you live too far away from us to make in person training feasible.
We can work together via your phone, or computer!
We can schedule weekly (or twice weekly) hourly sessions. We go over current concerns and behavior issues as we work on obedience training and behavior modification.
If you are dedicated to accomplishing the goal of a well-trained dog, and spend time every day practicing new concepts learned during our conversations, you will achieve all your goals.
Give us a call so we can discuss the length of the program and pricing.
540-446-6141
Where Pets Go To Get Away From It All...and Learn, Too.
What do people say about their experience?
* A retreat that changes lives. What a great home away from home!
MaryJane Dolan, Mayor of Lynchburg
* To anyone considering SMPR, there is no better place to bring your loved ones when you cannot be with them (or just need training). SMPR really cares about the wellbeing of your loved one. It’s not just a boarding facility, but a pet care facility. Highly recommend to anyone (and we do frequently).
Tracy Hicks, Gov't/Military Contractor
*What a comfort to know Zorro and Roux are taken care of like family while staying at Shady Mountain Pet Retreat. I really appreciate the love and care they receive from Miriam and her wonderful team.
Leland Melvin, NFL player/Astronaut/Author/Motivational Speaker
* Thank you for your superior care of our pup and grand pup earlier this month. This was our first time boarding with you, and we were so pleased with their total experience from your outstanding boarding facility to your expertise as a dog trainer and handler. You create a home away from home environment and know how to work with all dogs including those who have individual needs. It is clear you love your canine guests. Looking forward to our next visit!
Susan Malcolm
I cannot begin to tell you how pleased I am with Izzy.
We have been working on her training and she is doing well.
The thing I appreciate the most is how calm and well behaved she is. She is a joy to be around.
Jane Whitehead
Her clients range from high level Government officials, to celebrities, and tech giants. Pet parents who want to have a relationship with their pets, one where they can communicate with each other, bring them to our facility. (We respect people's privacy, so we won't name drop!)
Miriam has worked in the production industry since 1983; providing trained animals of many different species (dogs, cats, birds, horses, tigers and elephants) for movies, television programs, commercials and print ads.
No other trainer in the area can work with multiple species of animals and teach others to do the same. Besides offering pet training, Miriam does Honorariums for the local universities. Her books, and other written work, are used in class rooms at Harvard University, Animal Behavior College, UC Davis, Univ. of Texas, Univ. of Illinois, Univ. of Colorado and other Universities (in their vet schools and animal behavior programs).
We do not produce frightened robot dogs via e-collars. We proudly produce happy, well-adjusted pets, who perform with a smile and wagging tail, via positive reinforcement methods.
Miriam's latest book, Doodle Dogs for Dummies, published by John Wiley and Sons, Inc. will be available on Oct. 12. For a preview of the information in the book, go to www.allaboutdoodledogs.com.
You can reach us at:
540-446-6141
Click here to view our YouTube training videos. Here you will see us working with a variety of animals.
To view more pictures of Shady Mountain Farm - click here.
Shady Mountain Pet Retreat is the ultimate luxury pet resort.
From the log exterior blending with the Virginia Mountainside, in which it is nestled, to the large indoor/outdoor suites, with community play yards. Your dog will be indulged with exercise, training and lots of attention. Dogs go home happy and in great condition – mentally and physically.
We are here 24/7. Your dog is never left alone all night!
All visitors must show proof of current vaccinations, including Bordetella (See Boarding Agreement and read thoroughly) and be on heartworm and flea preventative. We will refuse service to anybody who does not provide proof of vaccinations and negative fecal test results, without refund of deposit.
Dogs with any sign of parasites will not be allowed out of their vehicles.
As all our play yards are stone dust (with some gravel mixed in) we cannot accept dogs who eat rocks, or other inappropriate objects. The dogs often play together, unobserved (to get maximum exercise), and pet parents must be comfortable with this scenario.
Absolute requirement: Proof of Negative fecal test (bacteria, flagella, and parasites) within 14 days of arrival! Dogs currently being treated for any infection or infestation are not allowed to visit.
Here's a great article discussing parasites: http://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/evr_dg_intestinal_worms_in_dogs
Unneutered male dogs over the age of 8 months are not allowed to stay at SMPR, but we will still work with them via Private Lessons.
Click here to learn about our boarding programs.
Contact us
540-446-6141
e-mail: [email protected]
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