Gold Country Pet Resort & Training Center sits on 57 acres of open land in Ione, Amador County, where Mike and Cherie Flores have built a boarding facility that actually feels different from the typical kennel setup. Cherie started training dogs back in 1989 after a personal experience convinced her that dogs needed better preparation and understanding from their owners. Her background includes serious work—search and rescue with German Shepherds and competing in Schutzhund events—which means she knows canine behavior well beyond basic obedience.
What makes this place stand out is the physical setup. Instead of traditional kennels, dogs stay in spacious suites with indoor-outdoor runs and fenced play yards. The idea is letting dogs socialize and play freely with other well-mannered dogs rather than spending hours alone in cages. With all that acreage, there’s genuine room to move around, and the resort uses it for activities beyond just containment. You’ll see dogs actually playing together in the yards instead of isolated in typical boarding runs.
The resort handles both boarding and daycare, which makes it useful if you’re planning to spend time at Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort nearby and need somewhere for your dog to spend the day. If you live in Rancho Murrieta or elsewhere in Amador County, they’ll pick up and drop off your dog at home, which removes a lot of the logistical headache. They’ve also got a regulation-size DockDogs diving pool on the property, so if your dog enjoys water, there are lessons and splash sessions available, plus actual diving competitions if you’re into that.
The whole operation centers on reducing separation stress, which is the real difference between a place that just houses dogs and a place that actually thinks about their experience. Cherie’s training background means she understands how to manage anxious dogs and create routines that keep them calm. Before booking, you’ll want to call ahead about their specific policies and current availability, especially during busy seasons when they fill up. The resort’s approach suggests they’re selective about who they take and how many they accept at once, so don’t wait until the last minute if you’re planning a trip.
