Shady Mountain Pet Retreat - Private Dog Training - Amherst, VA
Shady Mountain Pet Retreat is a luxury boarding and training facility, nestled in the mountains of south-west Virginia. Besides our fabulous mountain views and quiet ambiance, SMPR offers large indoor/outdoor suites (like hotel rooms), 6 large play yards for doggie social experiences, miles of shaded mountain trails, an indoor pool and more. Dogs love SMPR, as evidenced when they know where they're going and get super excited.
We have a variety of training programs to fit every need. You can choose board and train for quick success, private lessons to be in on all the action, or group classes for distraction proofing. Our professional instructors use positive reinforcement training methods, motivating dogs to perform on one cue. We communicate with our guests, bridging the gap between human and animal speech.
SMPR was founded and operated by world-renown author of 45 pet books, Miriam Fields-Babineau. She has trained thousands of animals, exotic and domestic.
Please contact and book my private dog training services on Petworks. Thank You.
- Online Sessions
Pricing Packages
How do you serve precious pets?
- Dog Trainer
- Pet First Aid Training
- Puppy Trainer
- Dog Obedience Training
- Dog Trainer
Which training type do you employ to encourage paw-sitive behaviors?
- Dog Agility Training
- Pet Behavior Modification
- Dog Obedience Training
- Service Dog Training
- Dog Therapy Training
What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?
- Birds
- Cats
- Dogs
- Ferrets
- Guinea Pigs
- Horses
- Mice
- Parrots
- Rabbits
- Rats
Do you offer mobile services?
- No
Which part of the country do you serve pets?
South-West Virginia
What year did you begin serving pets?
1980
SERVICE AREA: Within 100 miles, including South-West Virginia
Distinction
How do you serve precious pets?
- Dog Trainer
- Pet First Aid Training
- Puppy Trainer
- Dog Obedience Training
- Dog Trainer
Which training type do you employ to encourage paw-sitive behaviors?
- Dog Agility Training
- Pet Behavior Modification
- Dog Obedience Training
- Service Dog Training
- Dog Therapy Training
What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?
- Birds
- Cats
- Dogs
- Ferrets
- Guinea Pigs
- Horses
- Mice
- Parrots
- Rabbits
- Rats
Do you offer mobile services?
- No
Which part of the country do you serve pets?
South-West Virginia
What year did you begin serving pets?
1980
🦔 About Miriam Fields — Certified Dog Trainer in Amherst, Virginia
Miriam Fields is a certified dog trainer serving Amherst, Amherst County, and surrounding areas including Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Timberlake, Madison Heights, Forest, Farmville, Appomattox, Buena Vista, Danville, Altavista, dedicated to helping dogs and their families build lasting, trusting relationships. Using positive, science-based methods tailored to each dog's age, temperament, and specific challenges, Miriam makes training effective, enjoyable, and built to last.
❤️ The best dog trainers don't just train dogs — they teach you how to communicate with yours. Miriam brings that philosophy to every session, working alongside you and your dog to build trust, consistency, and real, lasting results.
What Miriam Can Help With
Obedience & manners — reliable commands and respectful behavior at home and in public. Leash & walking confidence — ending pulling, lunging, and stress on walks. Behavior modification — addressing reactivity, anxiety, fear, and aggression. New dog foundations — building good habits and confidence from the start.
Why Book Miriam on PetWorks?
Verified, certified professional with credentials you can trust. Personalized one-on-one sessions — in-home, mobile, or on-site. Force-free, positive reinforcement methods that are humane and proven. A judgment-free approach focused on the wellbeing of both you and your dog. Backed by real reviews from pet parents across Amherst County and Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Timberlake, Madison Heights, Forest, Farmville, Appomattox, Buena Vista, Danville, Altavista.
How Booking Miriam on PetWorks Works
Booking Miriam is secure and straightforward.
Review Services: Browse Miriam's training packages and services listed on this page and choose the one that fits your dog's needs.
Click "Book Now" or "Request Quote": If you see a package that fits, you can book directly. If your situation is unique or you'd like to discuss your dog's specific challenges first, click "Request Quote" to start a conversation with Miriam.
Secure Payment: All payments are processed securely through PetWorks. We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Klarna. Your payment is held safely and only released once the booking is confirmed.
PetWorks Care Coverage: Every booking includes PetWorks Care Coverage, giving you peace of mind and access to our dedicated concierge team if you ever need support.
Connect & Schedule: Once your booking is initiated, you'll use the PetWorks Inbox to coordinate the best time and location for your session and share any details about your dog that will help Miriam prepare.
Ready to get started? Browse Miriam's verified reviews, compare credentials, and book confidently on PetWorks — serving Amherst, VA and the surrounding Amherst County area.
petworks tm
