Shady Mountain Pet Retreat

Serves Lynchburg, VA

35244

Hired 13 times

4 employees

42 years in business

$50/hour

4.5

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

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Credentials

Background Check

Miriam Fields
Completed on 6/21/2021

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.

Q&A

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

For private lessons: $50/session at my facility. $50/hr if doing lesson at owner's home, or meeting at another location. For board and train: 2 week program - $1100. Includes training, treats, 2 lessons with pet parents, boarding. Lots of social time with other dogs. Covers heel, loose leash walking, sit/stay, down/stay, come and finish 4 week program - $2400. Includes training, treats 4 lessons with pet parents, boarding. Lots of social time with other dogs. 2 field trips to area pet shops for distraction proofing. Covers on and off lead heel, loose leash walking, sit/stay and down/stay with upwards of 20' of distance, distraction proofing, behavior in public, mountain hikes. We will custom design your dog's experience depending on your overall goals and his abilities.

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

I'd prefer to speak either in person or on the phone to discuss your needs and goals. This will help me tailor a training program to achieve your goals. When you decide which program you'd prefer, we arrange an appointment where we can meet each other and you can tour our facility. We deem it best for you to feel comfortable with us and our way of caring for your beloved fur kid, prior to committing to our program. We offer the best care and training for dogs, cats, birds and other animals in the state. Let us prove that to you!

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

I have degrees in Psychology and Zoology. I have worked with exotic animals at National Zoo, Boston Zoo, and Dolphin Research Center. I began my business in 1983, teaching pet owners how to work with and communicate with their pets. During my tenure as a professional trainer, I have worked with thousands of dogs, cats, horses and other animals. I am the only trainer in the state who has credentials working with such a wide array of species, professionally. The key is simple: I use positive reinforcement. This motivates animals to learn. I published my first book, Dog Training Basics, in 1995. By 2014, I had 44 published books. I have also provided web content, news articles, magazine articles and more during this time. Harvard, UC Davis, UC Colorado and other Universities use my books for their veterinary and animal behavior programs. Dog training schools also use my books to teach students how to understand and train dogs.

How did you get started doing this type of work?

I have communicated with animals since childhood. Through education I learned how to understand what I was doing and utilize it to change animal behavior. Upon earning degrees in Psychology and Zoology, I became skilled in using operant conditioning and positive reinforcement training methods, as well as learning how to instruct others in these techniques. My work with exotic animals at zoos and aquariums further educated me in how to communicate with animals who cannot be physically manipulated or coerced. One must communicate and facilitate to achieve results. Let me teach you how to do so with your pet.

What types of customers have you worked with?

I work with anybody who believes their pet is part of their family. I could name drop a few such as Supreme Court Justices, Congressmen/women, artists, musicians and celebrities. But, something all of the pet parents I've worked with have in common is their love of their pets.

Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?

One of my most challenging projects was working with a 9 month old blind and deaf Great Dane. She came here from Indiana and remained for a month. She knew nothing about socialization, obedience skills or communicating with others. Over the course of a month, she learned about house training, not jumping up, not mouthing and how to heel, sit/stay, down/stay, come and stand for examination. I used touch cues and rewards, along with food to motivate her. She turned from a confused and frightened dog into a happy, responsive and confident pet.

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

1. Ask about training tools. Any trainer who uses force methods or aversive training tools, such as an electronic collar, choke chain, or prong collar is relying on pain to train instead of teaching your dog how to communicate and learn. This will turn your dog into a frightened robot, not a happy, healthy companion. If a dog already has aggressive tendencies, this type of training will exacerbate the problem, making him more unreliable. 2. Ask about education. Does the trainer have certification or a college degree? Insist on hiring a trainer who has learned about animal behavior. One without certification or a degree is not serious about doing the job correctly. 3. Ask about training methods. Force free, positive reinforcement techniques will be enjoyable for your dog and for yourself. It takes time to learn the techniques, but is well worth it in the end as you will have a long-time companion. A good trainer will patiently teach pet parents these techniques, ensuring quality communication between pet and parent. 4. Ask to see their facility. If you intend to board and train your pet you don't want him to be stuck in a crate for most of the time. He needs exercise and attention. He cannot learn proper social skills stuck in a crate. Moreover, he will be highly stressed out. Cleanliness is of utmost importance. If you can smell something bad your dog certainly can, as he has a great sense of smell. What requirements does the facility have? What vaccinations, or fecal tests? Shady Mountain Pet Retreat has the most stringent requirements of any kennel in the state. But, this means your pet will be safe, secure and go home healthy.

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

Make a list of behaviors that are annoying. Make a list of your goals. Make a list of what you enjoy about your dog and what you wish him/her to continue doing. You should have a good feeling when you get off the phone or out of a meeting with a trainer. You will be entrusting your loved one with him/her. This person should be open to future questions/concerns you may have. I am always available to discuss your pet with you. I know you dearly love him/her. It is my goal to ensure your comfort with me and to teach your dog how to behave appropriately. Most of all, I want you and your dog to enjoy each other as long as you can.