About Valley Creek Dog Boarding and Training

Valley Creek Dog Boarding and Training is a Sparta, Wisconsin business that runs boarding and residential training from a rural homestead. Its own description: "Valley Creek Dog Boarding & Training in Sparta, Wisconsin is a family-owned and operated business located in Sparta, Wisconsin. We take pride in providing exceptional dog boarding and training services that cater to your dog's individual needs." The site positions the family's own hunting background as the origin of the training side – "Being an avid hunting family, we have been training our own dogs for obedience and hunting for over twenty years."

What is offered

The home page lists three services under "Our Services" and no more – Dog Boarding, Obedience Training and Gun Dog Training – with British Labs, starter dogs, sires and dams carried separately as the breeding side of the operation. Each service has its own page, where the obedience and gun dog programs are set out as residential packages that run for several weeks with the boarding stay included. The home page's own hint that the training is more than a kennel add-on is the water: "Our natural pond has been expanded for gun dog training (or just for casual swimming)."

The setting

The facility is described as new and rural: "With our brand-new facility nestled in a peaceful countryside setting on our homestead, your beloved dogs will enjoy a vacation of their own while you're away." Grounds are part of the pitch – the site says dogs "will run, play and enjoy our many well groomed trails all year round," and that the land "has plenty of space for fun and training." Both dogs and a limited number of cats are accepted: "We welcome all dogs, big and small! We also have two spaces available for any cats in the family!"

Requirements

Intake conditions are published up front. The site requires "Proof of current vaccinations for Rabies, Distemper, and Bordetella," states that "Flea and tick treatments are required for your dog's health and safety," that dogs "must be free from fleas and will be inspected upon check-in," and that a mandatory flea bath at the owner's expense follows if fleas are found. It also asks that flea and tick treatments be given "at least 2 weeks prior to boarding at Valley Creek." The site credits "our experienced and caring family members" with the training; ask which of them will work with your dog.