Walnut Ridge Farm
Dog Boarding and Training
ABOUT
Laura has been holding group obedience classes since 1992 and boarding dogs since 1994. In 1998 Laura married Ritchie Plumley and together they have experience with all different breeds, mixes, temperaments, and canine behavior.
The kennel is located next to their house so someone is here with the dogs at all times.
SERVICES
1. We offer dog boarding in large indoor runs, dogs exercised daily in a safe fenced area, if they enjoy playing with others we match the right personalities together to have fun, or if it is best your dog will be let out individually in their own area. We understand dogs have feelings and try our best to make sure everyone has an enjoyable stay with us. Some owners prefer to bring their own food for their dog, which is fine with us or we will furnish their food . You can bring treats that are safe for your dog and we will give them or if not we provide dog safe treats at snack time for everyone. We do ask that you not bring personal items with your dog, we are not responsible for anything that comes that may get destroyed or lost. We do have cots for the dogs to lay on. Kennel runs have heated floors in winter months and nice thick rubber mats. Boarding fees start at $50.00 per day plus tax, if you have multiple dogs or dogs that have health problems and may require medicine contact us for pricing.
2. Dog Training Programs
Private lessons are offered year around when our schedule and your's allows. We have limited times available for private lessons. These last about an hour and are at our facility. We can work on whatever you are needing help with, obedience, aggression, fear, are some examples of what clients need help with. Private sessions are $100.00 per lesson.
Board and Train is offered year around. Program is for 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the issues, what the owner hopes to accomplish and the dog. We can take dogs as early as 4 months. This program gets the dog started learning commands so that the owner can better communicate with them, they do need to be worked with at home . Examples of what they are taught : Walking properly on a leash, sit, sit for petting and not to jump up, we start establishing the stay command and also come when called. We can also work with socialization to other animals, dogs, and people, if a pup is mouthy we can also help them understand their mouth is for their toys not your hand and arms. This is all on lead training. All dogs do learn differently, we are happy to discuss your needs to make sure the program suits you best. This does require owner training too, when you pick your dog up we will go over all the commands and work with both you and your dog. So you are able to better manage your dog once at home, sometimes routines and set ups in the house may need changed at first so you can focus on your dog and get the most out of the training. Check out our facebook page for pictures of current and past students in training and read the reviews of many that have put their dog in the program. Board and train starts at $1,000.00.
Prices are subject to change without notification. All sales are final, no refunds.
TESTIMONIALS
May 5, 2021
Walnut Ridge is absolutely the best training facility in this area. My dog was a real problem. We did the two week boarding training and Ritchie and Laurie are fantastic. It’s worth every penny to have a dog turned around so he’s a pleasure to be around. We had some questions after we brought him home and Ritchie gladly worked with us to understand what we needed to be doing to correct the situation. We recommend them to everyone. They are also good, kind people, aside from being excellent trainers. They are going to take special care of you and your dog.
Lydena Wyatt
Morgan Wheeler Shrewsbury
June 25, 2019
For everyone who has reached out to me, asking about the Board & Train Program that Cole did at Walnut Ridge Farm.... WORTH EVERY PENNY!! Because Cole completed the program, group classes are free for him, for life. I didn’t have class tonight, so we were able to attend group class that she does on Tuesdays.
I was blown away with how well he did, no one could believe that he was only 5 months old with how well behaved and how attentive he was!! Highly, HIGHLY recommend Laura Hark-Plumley at Walnut Ridge Farm
Barbara Huffman Dawes
June 11 2019
Laura is fabulous!!! We've been boarding our dogs there for over ten years. They absolutely love it there and our dogs are so well taken care of while there.
Jackie Meyers
May 27 2019
Thanks for taking such good care of my puppers Mr. Blake Shelton Dea Meyers Jr. he was pooped out when he got home.
Troy Walker
June 1 2019
I boarded my dog Sky here for a week while on vacation and was very pleased. Sky seemed like she had such a good time and came home smelling clean. Highly recommended!
Linda J Schmidt
May 15 2019
We did board and train with our 2 boys, Pickle and Cooper. They came home so much better behaved, they even ride in the car better. However they loved Laura and the facility so much I think Everytime we get in car they think they are " going to camp". They seem to miss their routine Laura had for them and their friends. This will be our regular boarding camp and we are very picky.
Sheryl Morgan
Laura has been fantastic with all of my dogs and they have all loved her. When they stay at walnut ridge they have a great time getting to play with all of the other dogs. I never worry about my babies because I know they are being well taken care of. I would recommend anyone who needs there doggies taken care of to take them to walnut ridge.
Adam Meade
Laura is fantastic- Clark my Doberman spent two weeks at 6 months old for the two week agility and obedience training. Of course i was worried the whole time but Laura sent pictures and kept me updated every step of the way. Before Clark was a wild maniac although he knew a lot of the basics from my work with him at home. When he came back he was a very different dog- such a pleasure to be around and always looking at ‘dad’ for his command and my permission to do something- although he can still be a little rowdy. Clark’s obedience never stopped with Laura- her instruction is continued at HOME which is the only way this can work. Dogs- especially a strong headed breed like Dobermans- constantly test their owners - if their owners are pushovers then the dog will then take charge. Clark is on voice command now for the most part- only using the lead to ‘remind him’ and when we go racing dirt bikes- he is a kid lover and even obeys them with the commands Laura instilled in him. We are so thankful for an excellent/skilled trainer in our area of WV! Laura really is the best- and was recommended to me by at least a dozen people ranging from businessmen, well known physicians, and friends. No doubt EVERYONE Clark meets has benefited from Laura’s training! Thank you so much!
Clark’s Dad
Liz Vestal
I would HIGHLY recommend this place!!! I wouldn’t trust my German Shepherd with anyone else!
Jessica Drake
My dog Duke a yorkie and I went to a training session yesterday. The owner is very knowledgeable and Duke just loved her. I would definitely recommend this place. It was Duke's 1st time of being there but it won't be his last.
Gary Brown
Laura had our German Shepherd Max for two weeks of obedience training and wow what a difference. Our 7 year old granddaughter took max for a walk today and she handled him without any problems. Two weeks ago he would have pulled her down the street. Best investment we have made on our pet. We would highly recommend Laura
Jennifer McBride
Laura is amazing. Our sweet Jack spent 2 weeks with her and came home a totally different dog. Anyone who has a puppy who needs some guidance should most certainly give Laura a call!!!
Cathy Cross
Laura knows what she is doing in training dogs. She picks up immediately on their different personalities. She is encouraging, and the owners learn as much as the dogs do in a pleasant, carefree atmosphere.
Monica Williams
March 10 2019
I absolutely recommend Walnut Ridge to EVERY dog owner! Laura is absolutely amazing! I have a 6 month old Great Dane that was sooo out of control until I boarded her. She still has puppy issues because lets face it, she's a 6 month old Marmaduke lol. But thanks to Laura I can now control her and keep her training up. I absolutely recommend Walnut Ridge! The best doggie decision I've EVER made! You're puppy is not only trained but also loved!
Kathie Sutphin Stacey
They took great care of our dogs.. dogs were happy and so are we...
They are very compassionate people, much appreciated , thank you..
Abbie Ward
I highly recommend Walnut Ridge. You can leave knowing your pup will be well taken care of. Extremely responsive and reassuring with texts.
Elizabeth Vines
The only place I ever board my dogs. They typically come home exhausted from playing and smelling great!
Andrea Stracener
This was out first time boarding our boys. It was a wonderful experience for us and them. Thank you so much!!!
Kristen Tingler
Laura and Ritchie were both great with my doberman! He was a different dog after the second lesson. Im so glad I took him for training
Angie Harding Hartsuch
Laura is amazing!! We enrolled our dog, Bear, into the two week board and train as soon as he turned 5 months old. I could not believe the change in him after the training! He follows all the commands she taught us, and now knows how to properly walk on a leash. It’s truly been life changing for us! We also now use her to board Bear when we travel. He LOVES it there! He always has “friends” to play with, and he loves all the obstacles. I highly recommend Walnut Ridge for every single dog owner. It’s an awesome place, and Laura is a true dog whisperer. She’s great at training us owners too(the entire family). She’s readily available for all questions as they arise. We consider her a family friend now.
Angie Hartsuch
Seby Bell
Very reasonable rates and she takes excellent care of our doggo when we go on vacation. Thanks so much!! :D
Mike Bragg
Laura is awesome! our 6 month old German Shepherd Zeus is a totally different dog now and he absolutely loved her and the farm .
Jessicia Marie Gauldin
Walnut Ridge made my weekend way less stressful! I just knew my Murphy was being taken care of while I had to leave him!! Thank you so much!! We will definitely be back!!
Symantha Lynn Calfee
Couldn't ask for a better place to board our 2 dogs.....definitely using them in the future!!
Martha Goodwin-Colebank
I had an amazing time at Walnut Ridge Farm. As a mom, wife and Nurse, I am very busy, as most of us are. Getting to stop by to meet Laura Hark-Plumley and her vast array of horses, mules and dogs was just what I needed. The farm is beautiful but most importantly the animals are both physically and mentally thriving. I follow Laura on Facebook and am so thankful I got to go and experience "her life" in person, if only for just one evening. Getting to ride with her has recharged me and challenged me to ride/challenge my own horses and dogs even more. Tks again toLaura Hark-Plumley and her husband for such a great experience.
"You sure you didn't give me the wrong dog? Lol. We played some frisbee in the snow and went on a long walk to practice. Ashby did wonderful and walks are actually fun instead of stressful. I can't thank you enough for everything. " Cynthia Hall 2-16-2019
“My wife, and I were referred to Walnut Ridge Farm to board or first German Shepherd for the first time back in 2001 by a WV State Trooper, and we couldn’t have been more blessed. Laura not only has a safe and clean kennel set up; she has an obvious love for animals. She’s very knowledgeable about animals, especially German Shepherds. We’re still calling on Laura today to take care of our new German Shepherd. As we simply can’t trust any other boarder / trainer like we can Laura. She’s one of a kind, with a true love for animals, and it’s obvious in every way. Thank you, Laura for being so accommodating, and for taking such good care of our current German Shepherd, Charlie.”
Chris Saunders, Pineville, WV
7/3/18
Laura has boarded my cattle dog Rexie several times while we travel. Rexie is the type of dog that does not care for strangers and most people are scared of him. The only person I trust to keep him is Laura. Laura is wonderful with Rexie. She cares for him and also ensures that he gets enough exercise and attention. When we are traveling she sends us pictures of Rexie having fun on the farm. This makes us extremely happy because Rexie is an important member of our family. Laura is hands down the best option available for dog boarding. Rexie loves her and always comes home happy and healthy. We will continue to use her services in the future.
Thanks, Ashley and Jeff Henderson
I came with my rescue dog for a 7 weeks Summer basic obedience course and got to see the improvements week by week, now Lobo is most likely to come when I call his name, sit, down and heel on command also he learned to trust me more, we also did agility and he was prompt to learn and to please. He even looks happier. Thank you Laura and husband for all you do.
Adriana Rodríguez 7/24/2019
My labradoodle was in the board and train a few months ago, and he loved it there! He is boarding this week and he is having a blast!
Geri VanHelen 8/12/2019
Really can not thank you guys enough. Herman is a different dog. We are trying to keep up practicing with him. But Not sure which is happier lol
Jessica Perkins Bower March 2020
MY PHOTO GALLERY
At times we have Imported German Shepherd Puppies available and trained adults.
walnutridgefarmboarding@gmail.com
304-763-9017
(land line no texting)