Some six months ago, our dog Max, a four-year old Beagle, was a morbidly obese dog and causing problems around our apartment complex due to his issues with house training. Despite our different attempts to get him healthy and to properly train him in all the most basic of dog skills, it was quite evident that we needed to reach out to caring professionals who could help all of us. Ultimately, this meant temporarily placing him in a situation which would help us help him return to the healthy little 8-week puppy we loved with all our hearts. My wife and I, and of course, Max, needed a fresh start to get back on the path toward a healthy lifestyle. I researched the issue and found out about a viable solution, Dancing Creek Farm, a long-term boarding and training located outside of Danville, Virginia. So, we made the difficult decision to hand over the responsibilities of Max's health and general well-being to Tamara and Dakota and the rest of the Dancing Creek team to provide Max the means of not only shedding his unhealthy weight, but also to go back to the drawing board to relearn how to follow commands and improve his self-control and discipline. I did the communicating with Dancing Creek throughout Max's stay and saw that Dancing Creek was not just a viable solution, but a godsend for Max. I could see that Tamara and Dakota understood dogs and how to give them the help they needed, whatever that might be. In the four months that Max was at Dancing Creek, the wonderful team of Tamara and Dakota, the owners of Dancing Creek Farm, and their staff, helped Max lose thirty-two pounds and trained him to improve his discipline and self-control. They crafted a diet and exercise plan unique to Max, which surely couldn't have been easy when caring for eighty other dogs. It turned his life around. He's never been happier. We've been back home with Max for a week and see a more confident, better-trained dog who has a new lease on life. This is making a huge difference, not just in Max's life, but in the functioning of our family. We've gotten to know Tamara and Dakota through Max's journey. We really respect their dedication to the animals and the hard work they put into to the health and well-being of the dogs at Dancing Creek. Tamara and Dakota and Team really care about this work. That really matters. In fact, it makes all the difference. Because of our gratitude, we will certainly be keeping track of all the other dogs at Dancing Creek. In addition, we want to thank the Dancing Creek community. They rallied around Max during his journey and supported him and us. We are so appreciative of the love they showed Max. (I can't tell you how much we enjoyed the Facebook, IG videos and photos that chronicled Max's journey.) We are also so excited for Dancing Creek, as they plan to spread their love for dogs with a non-profit for dogs who are of an advanced age. In conclusion, from Tamara and Dakota to the staff who worked so hard, we can never repay what you given Max and our family. It goes without saying that not all aspects of working with dogs is glamorous,as any pet owner knows. The DCF Team has shown that the work they do in this rural southern Virginia community is more to them than work. It's a calling to serve. This calling serves both the dogs and their owners. We thank you and salute you all#Namaste read more

I cannot recommend this facility more! There are very few long-term boarding facilities available in the US and im sure even fewer that are as amazing as Dancing Creek Farms. The cabins are not only heated and cooled but incredibly spacious. The grounds are extremely well taken care of and provide ample running space for pups during their outings. And the people who work here are so incredibly caring. I feel thankful every day that we have found this amazing space. My moms dogs have been here since around May of 2025 and they are so loved and taken care of, it helps ease our hearts knowing how well they are being treated at Dancing Creek Farm. If you need a long or short term boarding, this is absolutely the best place to go. read more

Dancing Creek Farm - Pet Training Near Me - Cascade, Virginia

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We would never take a dog to any other facility except DCF!! We took our dog, a 9-month-old GSD, to DCF, because he became too much for us to handle. He didn't listen to anyone, would and could drag me down the street, ran out onto a major highway from the vet's office, and had become a danger to himself and us. I looked all over the east coast to find someone that was highly rated, and someone that could take him immediately. Then, through my neighbor, Jodi Rogers, I found Dancing Creek Farm. From Intake to bringing our dog home, everything was spectacular. His trainer was Cassie, who is the best ever trainer. She trained not only our puppy, but us as well! DCF dealt with out-of-control behavior with this pup, as well as skin issues (itching), and teenage hormones too! They got his diet on track for what he needed, and explained the importance of the correct diet to us so we understood it. We now have a different pup. He is respectful, we are his leader, we can keep him safe through proper control techniques, and we can totally enjoy this wonderful, loving GSD. This facility, and all its staff, are total professionals. The overall care is phenomenal, and these folks love what they do - and it shows. We will never be able to thank Cassie and all the staff enough for how they have enriched our pup's life, as well as ours. There is peace at home at last! read more

Where to begin? Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the love, care, and training you provided Chai over the past several months. It's incredible what a difference you achieved for Chai. Coming in as an anxious, fearful, and medicated pup, I was hopeful you'd be able to help Chai learn to calm herself and be able to go outside. You all went way beyond - helping her acclimate to all kinds of noises, as well as semi-trucks, farm equipment, other dogs, new people, and new experiences. On top of all that, you crate trained her, taught her to 'place', adjusted her to new collars, and most importantly, weaned her off her meds. While I believe the medicines Chai was on did help increase her threshold for noise sensitivities and life in general - I'm grateful for the time and care you took to help both Chai and I release the need for the meds. It's incredible to me that she can now maintain calm in public spaces - something she could never do before. Chai is a much happier, more balanced, more confident dog due to the training and support she received at the farm. Now at home, Chai is able to leave the house, go for walks, go to coffee on a public patio, meet new dogs, travel, and experience a much bigger and richer world. Thank you for helping us get to a place where these adventures are possible. Chai is living her best life thanks to the DCF team! Special shout out to Cassie and Maria for your clear training and loving care of my sensitive girl. Chai, spoiled - what? And a big thanks to Dakota and Tamara for helping me get comfortable with the idea of reducing Chai's meds. I was kept in the loop at all times and on all changes to her meds. The excellent communication through WhatsApp was key to moving everything forward. read more

Dancing Creek Farm is an absolute paradise for dogs. My wife and I had to take a trip on short notice and we were very nervous about not bringing our dog with us because he can be anxious - but we managed to find Dancing Creek and he had the best time. They took such good care of him and I think he was disappointed to come home at the end of the 2 weeks. Their transportation system was flawless and was really convenient for us. Jackie couldn't have been nicer and she made sure the drop off and pick up was as smooth as possible. I will be leaving my dog with Dancing Creek anytime I leave from now on. Couldn't imagine a better place for him! read more

Dancing Creek Farm is a great place for boarding your beloved fur babies. My dogs were there for 3 months while we were moving from Hawaii back to the mainland and getting settled. We knew we never needed to worry about how our fur babies were doing, which was a nice break from all of the other stresses that occur during a big move. They provided excellent care and amenities, and really took the time to educate us on the food and supplements they were being given. We also used their long term training program during this time. The lead trainer Sheril and her assistant Blake worked wonders on basic obedience with our dogs, but especially with our headstrong german Shepherd. They have completely turned around and show us the respect we should be shown as their owners after their three months of training. We cannot thank all of the DCF staff enough for loving on and caring for our babies! read more

Dancing Creek is amazing! We have used them many times when we go out of town and our dog loves it there. The staff is very dedicated to the well being of each of the animals and they love what they do. Tamara the owner helped us get our dog potty trained and get him on a healthy diet. We couldn't be more pleased and I highly recommend them! Your pet may not want to leave :) read more

WHAT A WORLD of DIFFERENCE! I dropped off "MONSTER" for a 4 month extended stay with training. After working with Sheril Carr, "MONSTER" became a perfect "Gentleman". He is now a completely different dog... His past hobbies were PULL, WHINE, PULL, SPRINT-PULL all the way to the dog park. Now he walks with you, is super chill 24/7 and still loves to play. A perfect gentleman who a keeps amazing us with the commands Sheril taught him. I can't thank Sheril and the Crew from Dancing Creek Farm enough! -T read more

We cannot say enough great things about our experience with Dancing Creek Farm. Our two dogs stayed there for 3 months of canine bliss. After weeks of searching for a unique place for them to stay anywhere between Minnesota (where we live) and the Florida Keys (where we were heading) we found Dancing Creek Farm. This actually added a few hundred miles to our trip, but was well worth the extra travel. The pros: Tamara was SO patient with the endless questions we had prior to the booking and subsequently their stay. They sent us text messages, updates, photos, Facebook photos, and called us throughout their stay. The dogs stay in adorable cabins with unlimited access to a fenced play area. The cabins are heated/air conditioned, have radio piped through, and a dog door. They get to socialize with other dogs, and the staff. Lavender aromatherapy hot towel treatments!. Awesome, organic diet and treats (their coats were stunning when we picked them up). They visibly loved Tamara and the staff. The cons: There weren't any. Thanks Tamara and friends, Susie, Steve, Bingo and Pepe See you next year! read more

We are so fortunate to have found DCF to board our dogs long term (6 months). Tamara, Dakota, and Sheril constantly kept us updated, sent pictures, and they genuinely cared for our babies. Super impressed with how healthy they looked when we picked them up. We chose to have them trained as well, and Sheril was amazing! We now have our 2 happy, healthy, and well mannered pups back and we couldn't thank/recommend DCF enough for all their love and professionalism. We will be in touch :) read more

Dancing Creek Farm is a wonderful place for any dog to stay if you need to be away. Tamara and her staff are such loving, caring, competent, considerate individuals who bend over backwards to ensure all the dogs in their care happy, healthy and secure. We highly recommend placing your loved doggie here - you will not be disappointed. We were overseas for 7 months and had an unexpected situation occur which required us to find new housing options for our dog immediately and Tamara was the answer to a desperate prayer I threw out to the universe. Her home and farm is what I lovingly refer to as a wonderful doggie resort. The facility is beautiful, well-maintained, extremely spacious, and well thought out for dogs to be dogs. Communicating with Tamara was extremely efficient. We knew if she could not answer right away, it was because she was out caring for our dog and would respond as soon as she could. When we went to pick up Nessie, we saw firsthand just how wonderful Dancing Creek Farm is for dogs and the families who love them. Choosing a long or short-term location for your beloved pet is so difficult because we tend to worry so much about our babies... rest assured if you choose Dancing Creek Farm - your dog will have the best possible time away from his/her family. Thank you Tamara for everything you did to make Nessie's stay as comfortable as possible and for managing her "needy" mother so I wouldn't worry so much! read more

Recommended for short term boarding, 90 days and less. Not recommended for long term boarding. When we got our boys back after 11 months, they each had ear infections in both ears, serious tartar build up, one had a periodontal diseased tooth with root exposure that had to be extracted, and they both had hooks worms. We really liked the setup that Dancing Creek Farm had for long term care for our two Golden Retrievers while we deployed for 11 months. Although we had an offer from our usual dog sitter to have our boys live with her family for less than what Dancing Creek charged monthly, we decided that they would be better socialized if they stayed at Dancing Creek. We also liked the idea of the webcams available to check in on the boys, but we ultimately did not have access due to the lack of Internet capability in Afganistan. From what we can tell, they seemed to be well socialized still and have no behavioral issues. The business owner did send us a handful of pics of the boys throughout the year and 4 thirty seconds youtube clips of them playing. We provided Dancing Creek a year worth of Trifexis to ensure they continued their heart worm, flea, and multiple other worm preventive medication. Since the business owner decided that Trifexis was bad for dogs, she stopped giving them the medication and ultimately they contracted hook worms. We also requested that she ensured they recieved their annual immunizations and charge us for the vet visit and that never happened. This was something i was ensured would happen before we boarded them and then I contacted the business when their immunizations were due and they asked me to allow them to schedule a date all the dogs on the farm could get their immunizations, but the vet never came and no immunizations were given. The boys were supposed to get weekly teeth brushing, but that is hard to believe with the condition their teeth were in. They changed their feeding schedule from twice a day to one time around noon and this was done without consulting us. They mixed wet food into one of my dog's food to make him eat quicker, which only perpetuated the tartar problems. Needless to say, we were not pleased with what our boys went through. Their prices for care were reasonable but I would have paid more for better care. The business acknowledged responsibility for not catching the tooth problem but adamantly denies that they had ear infections or hook worms. They claim that the gal that bathed the boys is the daughter of a vet and she declares that they did not have ear infections. After providing her their medical records, Dancing Creek forwarded a link with bad reviews for the pet hospital corporation we go to and suggested that we change our vet. Our vet said that the condition the boys were in happened over a several month period without treatment and that this is not the norm for dogs returning from long term boarding. They have many military/long term boarding patients, being in the Ft Bragg area. We also realized that the business owner had been trying to sell the business and it was on the market since we deployed or shortly after and the owner never informed us that it was possible that ownership could change during our dogs' stay. Had we known that, we may have chosen another boarding option; however, the business didn't sell anyway. We also started getting emails requesting us to donate to their Go Fund Me Site, which we thought was odd. They are not a non-profit organization and they didn't foster any dogs all year, so we were a little confused by the donation requests. read more

Dancing Creek Farm has been amazing to our little girl, Kya. We wouldn't leave her anywhere else while we travel! We highly recommend choosing them for short or long term boarding needs. read more

When we were in corporate housing for 3 months we were not allowed to bring our dog Bella because of her size and breed (Doberman). We were distraught and looking for options for long term boarding that wasn't a kennel environment. Dancing Creek Farm was the answer to our prayers! The dogs are so loved and well cared for and they have fun all day playing with their buddies. I honestly think Bella may have missed us for a day and then it was like being in doggy heaven! They even picked arranged the transport to get her from TN to the farm in VA and then back to us in RI. I can't say enough good things about this place and what they do. read more

I have been out to dancing creek farm dozens of times. Tamara and her staff are always busy providing the best service possible for the sweet fur babies that stay there. She goes above & beyond to give each and every dog the best care possible. I've seen her business grow so much over the past 2 years and I see why. This is the best place to send your dog for short or long term boarding. read more

We boarded our very large Anatolian shepherd mix for 3 months and got training for anxiety and aggression. It's often difficult to find boarding for dogs of his size (110lbs, very tall, very muscular), and research of the market makes me feel like a lot of trainers would attempt to remove his guarding instinct, or that I'd be priced out of anything I was looking for. Dancing Creek was such an amazing find, and worth driving 6hrs for the stay. They worked with us on pricing and were excited to get a big boy like Gus, and immediately had a training plan in mind to curve his instincts to make them easier to control without diminishing them. Even more, we were so happy to hey were super health conscious and had a plan in mind to help his joints that often get minor strains (normal for big active dogs). We got regular pictures and video training updates throughout his stay. His coat looked so much healthier and fluffier, and he looked so happy performing behaviors in videos. He even made some doggy friends, which he is picky about so we were stoked to see him loosening up. I loved that the staff gave him nick-names "Gus the Bus" which made me feel he was truly loved for his 3 month stay. When I came to pick him up all the staff stopped to tell me how much they loved Gus and that they were sad to see him go. Sheril got to know Gus so well and had his place so advanced that he would even wait for a tennis ball (his life's purpose), and especially strangers he was unsure of. He learned leashless walking, so his recall was super disciplined. But he was still the same goofball who doesn't know his size. His joints were so improved he was galloping after tennis balls like his life depended on it all over again. When had to drive him all the way to California, and his having been trained to relax in "place" eased his anxiety throughout the ride. I'm not sure we would have made it otherwise. It also helped him adjust and relax in hotels and eventually his new home. Learning "Heel" on walks made bringing him around strangers, even confined places like stairs, easy and no longer embarrassing for having a great big loud bark boy. Gus knew to focus on me and ignore anyone he might be afraid of. It's not even been a week since getting him back, and we'll be following up with Sheril for some skype training sessions to make sure we behave around Gus the way we need to for his training to really shine. To keep my gushing on planet Earth, if there was one thing to complain about, its that communication on incidental costs throughout his stay could have been better. I knew to assume things like him needing training tools like an e-collar could come up, but the possibility of purchasing one could have been discussed at price quoting. Tamara is always available by text, anytime, so a single communication mix-up over a 3-month stay is nothing to discount the amazing quality of love and care my dog got at such reasonable prices. 5-stars isn't enough, Dancing Creek is such an amazing gem. I wish Gus was still on the East coast so he could come back! read more

"As good as it gets!" is so true about Dancing Creek Farm. During the past 8 years my English setter, Sadie, has been left with Tamara whenever we vacation. Finding a place where a dog owner is comfortable leaving his dog is as important as finding a good baby-sitter for a child. Tamara has NEVER let us down, and Sadie has stayed with Tamara for more than a dozen times over the years. We would not think of placing Sadie in the care of anyone else. Tamara treats each dog like her own. This is definitely a place where dogs are pampered and where dog owners can enjoy a vacation without worrying about their precious dog. Sadie sees Dancing Creek Farm as a second home and enjoys the pampering she gets there while being about to socialize with other dogs. read more

We boarded our two doggies for a few months at Dancing Creek Farm during a relocation from overseas and house hunt. I am so glad we found Dancing Creek-- they have very affordable rates for long-term boarding and excellent facilities. Tamara and her staff care deeply about what they do and it shows. Very highly recommended! read more

I had to deployed and couldn't find a place to leave my baby (pit/boxer mix) and this place was awesome!!! Within the first month his coat was looking great!!! They drove to me to pick and drop him off....very very helpful!!! I was able to skype with him during deployment and the farm sent pictures and kept me updated!!! I will definitely use them again....probably very soon :-) read more

I entrusted my two dogs to Dancing Creek Farm (DCF) for boarding while overseas on a long term medical mission, believing they would be well cared for. In January, DCF notified me by email that one of my dogs dug out of his pen into another pen and was dead. DCF staff was well aware of their digging tendency, jokingly mentioning it many times and calling them, "The Groundhogs," once even joking the dogs, "stay up all night digging tunnels to China." Knowing this, however, DCF made only minor modifications to their pen but failed to take more substantial steps necessary to adequately reinforce and secure the perimeter of their enclosure. Furthermore, my dog was a very tenacious and vocal dog and most certainly was not silent as he was mauled to death by other dogs. Amazingly, the supposed 24 hour live-in staff on the premises did not respond, though my dogs' pen was near the residence. Their email to me stated they "found one of your dogs dead inside another dog pen" in the morning. With my second dog now safely removed from DCF care, I am writing this out of concern for other dogs boarded at this facility and to warn others about my horrendous experience. Certainly my dog is not the first to dig in the yard and surely will not be the last. I am distraught knowing this incomprehensible loss could easily have been prevented had adequate steps been taken to reinforce the perimeter of the pens. The bottom line here is I paid DCF to ensure a safe and secure care environment for my dogs but it was not provided, and my dog was killed while in their care. read more

We love Dancing Creek! Tamara took care of our dog Kiwi for 3 months while we were unable to have her with us in temporary housing. We were sent updates by text and even received photos of her regularly. She was returned to us happy and healthy with her coat looking better than ever! read more

I just picked up my two dogs after 3 months at Dancing Creek Farm, and I truly believe there is no better place to take your dogs. The farm has a great setup with separate areas for each pack of dogs. I think it's really smart that they figure out which dogs get along best and then group them together for the duration of their stay. My dogs were with a few other dogs for the summer and I loved seeing pics of them playing together. I could tell that Tamara and her staff really pay close attention to all of the dogs and treat each one of them like their own. Instead of being in a concrete run, the dogs get to be outside as much as they want, with access to their little cabin that is heated or air conditioned depending on the season. When I picked up my dogs they were happy and healthy. I had been trying to get Amos, my overweight golden retriever, to lose a few pounds and I was so happy to see that he had slimmed down over the summer. They fed him top quality food and clearly he got plenty of much needed exercise. This is a place where you can really trust that your dogs are taken care of, which is so hard to find! I wouldn't take my pups anywhere else! read more

This place is absolutely fantastic, we use it every time we go on vacation or have to be away. my dog had some quirks, but they have always been very accommodating and understanding. she has some separation anxiety issues, so we were worried the first time we used this place, but when we picked her up she was so happy and tired from playing with other dogs. Each time we drop her off, she gets excited and runs up to the employees happy to see them and runs inside to play with the other dogs. She is also a golden so her grooming is very important and she's always impeccable everytime I pick her up. I also like the fact that they are in a country setting and are able to runabout without being in a concrete Run. you can tell everyone there, really loves dogs and has their best interest at heart. You could not bring your pet to a better boarding facility. we just love dancing Creek farm read more

After much searching we were lucky enough to find Dancing Creek Farm. What a unique place. The care that our dog gets there is wonderful. Tamaras staff are great. We have boarded our dog there three times for a week each time in the last nine months. He loves it there and you can know that your dog is cared for, loved, and safe. The facilities and housing for the dogs are amazing. We drive about forty miles to drop him off. I wouldn't board him anywhere else. read more