Asheville, NC Boarding & Training

  • Four golden retrievers sitting on place boards during outdoor training session at Appalachian Dog Training facility in Mills River Western NC
  • Dog owners and their dogs posing together at Appalachian Dog Training Saturday group dog training class in Western NC
  • Appalachian Dog Training staff walking multiple golden retrievers on scenic grounds in Mills River Western NC
  • Golden retriever puppy and Labrador staff dog practicing off-leash down on a gravel path at Appalachian Dog Training in Mills River Western NC
  • Happy golden retriever standing in an open mountain field in Western NC, part of Appalachian Dog Training's golden retriever breeding program in Mills River
  • Dog trainer guiding a poodle over an agility jump while a golden retriever waits in a down stay at Appalachian Dog Training in Mills River Western NC
  • Brittany Spaniel boarding dog Coco exploring a creek on the grounds of Appalachian Dog Training in Mills River Western NC
  • Client dog Mochi sitting off-leash in a green field with Blue Ridge Mountain views during board and train program at Appalachian Dog Training in Mills River Western NC
  • usky Pit Bull mix Moxie sitting off-leash on training grounds during board and train program at Appalachian Dog Training in Mills River Western NC
  • Golden retriever in outdoor kennel run at Appalachian Dog Training dog boarding facility in Mills River Western NC
  • Family reuniting with their dog Prince after completing board and train graduation session at Appalachian Dog Training in Mills River Western NC
  • Appalachian Dog Training kennel tech bonding with a golden retriever puppy creekside on facility grounds in Mills River Western NC
  • Appalachian Dog Training trainer guiding client and dog over agility seesaw during outdoor group dog training class in Mills River Western NC
  • Appalachian Dog Training trainer working with golden retrievers from breeding program in new indoor kennel facility in Mills River Western NC
  • Appalachian Dog Training staff and trainers working with multiple client dogs and service dogs on facility grounds in Mills River Western NC
  • Mountain Setting: 8 acres of walking trails, bike paths, and streams for swimming
  • Fenced Yards: multiple large, secure training & play yards

  • Exercise Yards: large, secure lots for individual exercise which dogs enjoy multiple times each day

  • Indoor Kennels: climate-controlled spaces and quiet for comfortable rest
  • Neighborhood Gravel Roads: for exercise and real world walks
  • Boarding Center: calm environment with white-noise & soothing music
  • Monitored & Secure: cameras inside and outside the boarding room, interconnected fire alarms and a safety-minded team
  • On-Site Care: 24/7 on-site Attendant; Pet First Aid & CPR certified staff
  • NC Licensed Boarding Kennel: inspected by the Department of Agriculture, meeting & maintaining the highest standards in clean and safe animal care
  • AKC Licensed Kennel: inspected and approved for cleanliness, safety, space, health, emergency preparedness and record-keeping

Welcome to our newly renovated Dog Training Center in Mills River, NC! Nestled on eight rolling acres, our training center offers space for dogs to run, train, and play, featuring two fenced yards, long walking paths, and peaceful creeks for swimming.

Safety and comfort are our top priorities. The main training center is fully enclosed and monitored by security cameras, with climate-controlled boarding rooms, 24/7 on-site caretakers, and staff certified in Pet First Aid and CPR. Dogs rest in comfort between training sessions, with calm music and routines that encourage relaxation.

Here, your dog connects with nature, builds environmental stability, and enjoys gentle socialization with our friendly resident animals — including cats, rabbits, and even a Shetland pony. Whether they’re learning confidence on shiny floors or meeting new friends for the first time, our peaceful mountain setting helps every dog feel secure, balanced, and right at home.