Business Details
21 Years
experience
Trusted Dog Training & Day Care in Vinton, VA
Field Of Dreams has been a trusted provider of canine education and care in the Roanoke Valley since 2005. Founded by Karen Hough, a nationally ranked agility competitor and certified trainer with over two decades of experience, our facility combines expertise in dog behavior with a passion for fostering positive human-canine relationships. Our team of certified professionals specializes in reward-based training methods, offering structured programs that address obedience, socialization, and mental stimulation for dogs of all ages and skill levels. The day school program emphasizes small-group play, monitored by trained staff who ensure safety and appropriate interaction based on individual play styles and energy levels. Our agility training curriculum, developed through Karen's extensive competition background, provides progressive skill development for handlers and dogs.The facility features a 3,500-square-foot climate-controlled training space and dedicated outdoor enclosures designed for optimal learning environments. We maintain rigorous safety protocols, requiring up-to-date vaccinations for all participating dogs and offering customized care options for introverted pets. With open enrollment policies and flexible scheduling, we accommodate diverse client needs while maintaining a commitment to scientific training principles that prevent problem behaviors through positive reinforcement. Our staff actively participates in continuing education to stay current with advancements in animal behavior science and training methodologies.
Services
Dog Day Care
Agility Training
Puppy Life Skills
Private Dog Training
Obedience Levels
Canine Good Citizens
Scentwork Classes
Intro to Sports
Day School for Introverts
Behavior Consultations
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of experience in reward-based dog training methodologies
- Our certified instructors provide personalized training programs for all skill levels
- Structured day school with small-group socialization monitored by trained professionals
- Progressive agility curriculum developed by nationally ranked competitor Karen Hough
- Climate-controlled 3,500 sq ft facility with dedicated outdoor training enclosures
Services
Dog Day Care
Our structured day school program provides supervised socialization in small groups of 5 or fewer dogs. Certified staff monitor play sessions based on individual energy levels and play styles. Dogs receive multiple walks, mental stimulation activities, and scheduled rest periods to prevent overexcitement. The program includes impulse control training and positive behavior reinforcement that transfers to home environments.
Agility Training
Six progressive agility levels teach dogs to navigate obstacles while improving physical fitness and handler communication. Classes focus on building confidence, coordination, and teamwork between dogs and handlers. The curriculum accommodates all breeds and experience levels, with equipment heights adjusted to individual capabilities. Karen Hough's competition background informs the training methodology.
Puppy Life Skills
Specialized classes for puppies up to 5 months old develop foundational behaviors through positive reinforcement. The curriculum addresses socialization, basic obedience, and house training while focusing on early brain development. Small class sizes ensure individual attention from certified instructors who emphasize science-based training principles.
Private Dog Training
Customized training plans address specific behavior issues through one-on-one sessions with certified professionals. The program evaluates individual dog needs and creates tailored solutions for common problems like jumping, barking, or leash pulling. Staff work directly with owners to implement effective training techniques at home.
Obedience Levels
Progressive obedience program teaches essential skills from basic commands to advanced techniques. The open enrollment system allows starting at any skill level, with classes flowing from beginner to advanced levels. Training focuses on real-world application through practical exercises that reinforce positive behaviors in everyday situations.
People
Karen Hough
Owner
Karen Hough founded Field of Dreams after 20+ years in dog training, including developing service dog programs. A nationally ranked agility competitor and NADAC judge, she combines practical experience with scientific training methods. Karen holds certifications through extensive professional development in canine behavior and training.
Alisha Proffitt
Dog Trainer
Alisha Proffitt earned certification through Animal Behavior College in 2022. She focuses on scent work and canine enrichment while pursuing continuing education. Alisha specializes in helping clients understand dog behavior through positive reinforcement techniques and has developed expertise in family dog dynamics.
Jessica Vellella
Certified Professional Dog Trainer
Jessica Vellella holds CPDT-KA certification from Whole Dog Academy. She specializes in early puppy socialization and dog-dog interactions, helping owners build trust-based relationships. Jessica's background in preschool education informs her approach to canine learning and behavior modification.
Katie Degen
Trainer
Katie Degen combines biomedical engineering background with animal behavior studies at Virginia Tech. She focuses on behavior analysis and detection dog training while competing in multiple canine sports. Katie's scientific approach informs her training methods and understanding of individual dog capabilities.
Questions
What training methods do you use?
We exclusively use positive reinforcement methods that reward desired behaviors. Our science-based approach avoids aversive tools and focuses on building trust between dogs and handlers.
What are your day school hours?
Dog Day School operates Monday-Friday from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. We offer flexible scheduling with half-day, single visit, and prepaid package options.
Do you offer puppy classes?
Yes, we provide Puppy Life Skills classes for dogs up to 5 months old. These sessions focus on early socialization, basic obedience, and house training through positive reinforcement.
What vaccinations are required for day school?
All dogs need current DAP, Rabies, and Bordetella vaccinations. We recommend the flu vaccine but leave it to owner discretion in consultation with their veterinarian.
Do you have agility classes for beginners?
Our Beginner Agility Class introduces dogs and handlers to equipment at ground level while developing handling skills and conditioning for agility work.
Can shy dogs attend day school?
Yes, we offer a specialized Introvert Dog Day School program in a quiet room with one-on-one care and customized activities for dogs that prefer human interaction over dog socialization.
