WIND RIVER CANINE PARTNERS

Pet Training | Service Dogs

Off-Leash Training

Kennel-Free Boarding & Daycare

Wind River Canine Partners is a unique DOG TRAINING, BOARDING, AND DAYCARE facility located just 12 miles south of Missoula on a beautiful ranch in the Bitterroot valley.

We offer small, tailored daycare groups that create healthy play habits for dogs; kennel-free boarding with spacious, natural yards for our overnight guests; and a team of highly educated and skilled trainers to create the strongest partnership you’ve ever had with your dog.

Join our pack today!

Daycare & Boarding

Come stay at the Wind River Ranch! For our boarding and daycare clients:

  • Indoor-outdoor access between our heated & air-conditioned barns and our spacious, natural-grass yards.
  • Dogs can participate in small, hand-selected play groups during the day or have their own space, whichever they prefer.
  • Maximum play group size is 8 dogs, so we can match each dog to others of similar play styles and temperaments. 
  • Staff on site 24/7 so your dogs are always protected, even overnight

Dog Training

Real-world training that caters to the Montana lifestyle. Create the “Go Anywhere, Do Anything” dog that can be your adventure partner, whether that takes you into the woods or downtown. We offer:

  • Foundation Partnership Training
  • Off Leash Reliability
  • Behavior Modification
  • Specialty Skills: Nose Work, Pulling Sports, Bite Work, Therapy Dog, and more!

Service Dog Program

A unique owner-training service dog program that helps individuals with disabilities train their own dogs for specifically tailored tasks to help them live more independent lives. Training for mobility assistance, seizure, allergen detection, psychiatric assistance, and more. 

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Joseph Galarza profile picture
Joseph Galarza
August 21, 2021
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
They took care of our furry ,kids they were very professional and affordable if you need someone to watch your little furry kids during the day while you go out and enjoy certain things and you don't want to leave your dogs in a hot car just go to them highly recommend it.
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Lydia Buescher profile picture
Lydia Buescher
February 22, 2019
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Wind River has changed my dogs life! My dog aggressive dog is now better at making friends than I am! 😉😍
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Harley Sanford profile picture
Harley Sanford
February 22, 2019
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
My service dog Cadence has changed my life in ways that cannot be put into words. This has all been possible by the amazing team at Wind River, from their one on one owner training, their board and train, their continuous training over the phone or through follow up training to insure my service dog and I are an amazing team together. I would hands down trust Them with any one of my dogs needs and training!!
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Genevieve Krause profile picture
Genevieve Krause
June 22, 2023
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Wind River and Kevin Alford helped me to train my two rescue dogs, one of which was reactive. The skills we learned not only made my dogs better behaved but created a greater sense of calm for the whole family. Worth every penny. Happy dog, happy life.
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Bonnie Netzley profile picture
Bonnie Netzley
February 13, 2024
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
We just started using this kennel for boarding. The staff is kind and communicative. I felt very comfortable leaving my dogs with them while my husband and I flew out of state for 4 days. Definitely going back!
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David Hilburn profile picture
David Hilburn
August 12, 2020
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Wind River Canine Partners hands down is a 5 star operation. From the staff to the kennels for the dogs, you will not be disappointed! My dog did not have aggression issues he was just overwhelming. Also, he loved to chase cattle and horses. I live in Denver so I was looking for a well rounded training. I found Wind River Canine Partners online and setup an appointment with Kelsey to board and train my Hovawart, Brett. From the beginning I was very comfortable with their process. Kelsey displayed amazing ability to formulate a training plan suitable for the dogs environment. Eventually, met Haley and found her to be a huge part of Brett's success. *Ask for Haley if you go the training route!! These two are dog whispers!! The staff was also very accommodating. Always there to assist and let me stop by to say hi to my boy! Brett completed the Foundation, Advanced, and Off leash partnership in 5 weeks. Frequent communication, friendly staff, and value!! I would highly recommend Wind River Canine Partners for boarding or training. Thank you so much Wind River Canine Partners!!
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Thomas Kostelnik profile picture
Thomas Kostelnik
July 14, 2021
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Ally is a great trainer and has been a great resource for us. All the staff is friendly and really willing to help. You can definitely tell everyone's heart is all in on the animals they get to interact with. Highly recommend!
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Jen Premselaar profile picture
Jen Premselaar
August 6, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I have been seeing Caleaha for private lessons for my dog Bodhi. I've worked with tons of trainers in the past with my rescue dogs and their various behaviors and Caleaha is the best I've ever worked with. She is very clear, explains things in a very articulate manner and the difference she has made with Bodhi has been amazing. Most importantly, she has trained me beyond the skills I had so I can continue to work with Bodhi in between lessons. I highly recommend her and Wind River for boarding as well.
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Eryn Rudolph profile picture
Eryn Rudolph
December 22, 2019
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Cant believe I forgot to leave a review for this place. Ally has been amazing and continues to work with me to train a service dog and has been incredibly accommodating to me. All of the dogs are well looked after and cared for and everyone at the kennel is super amazing! I travel across the country everytime I need to train one of my dogs. Best people ever!
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Ben Deeble profile picture
Ben Deeble
January 21, 2024
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Boarded our dogs really well during 10 days of Montana winter cold.
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karen reynolds profile picture
karen reynolds
January 16, 2024
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Our dog, Freya, loves it there for boarding and daycare. She gets so excited when we turn down the road to Wind River. Everyone is very nice and they always make sure Freya is having a good time.
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Alex Epping profile picture
Alex Epping
February 22, 2019
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I took my Catahoula mix to Wind River for aggression training, and they have completely changed our lives! The one on one care they provide while training is amazing, and I love knowing that when I’m out of town, Beau is treated as one of their own. I can’t recommend this place enough!
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Larissa Kennedy profile picture
Larissa Kennedy
September 29, 2024
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Wind River has helped me provide a solid start for my puppy and I am so excited to work with them as we provide Jytte with the tools, support, and training to be an amazing addition to my classroom as a therapy dog.
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Janet Born profile picture
Janet Born
November 20, 2021
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Amarok loves this place! He gets excited and talks until they come to get him out of the truck. It makes it so much easier to go work knowing he’s taken care of.
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Sara Williams profile picture
Sara Williams
March 28, 2023
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Updated review March 2023: Our Ellie (from earlier review below) continued to go to the ranch through her life and had so much fun there. After she passed away, we adopted a new puppy, Robbie. Robbie and his littermate (Jackie who we were also fostering) attended the Puppy Jump Start program in early March and worked with their trainer Kevin. We were honestly blown away at how much they learned and the big changes we saw in their puppy manners. The transfer and follow-up lessons were also very helpful. We were well set up with the tools we needed to keep going with their practice and make sure their new commands and behaviors stuck. And we had the opportunity to have our implementation of these tools polished during the follow up. We are incredibly excited with the progress that Robbie and Jackie made while they were in the program - Kevin is an amazing trainer and Wind River Canine Partners is a top notch facility! ________________________________________________________ Review from 9 years ago: I have never felt more comfortable leaving my dog for daycare or boarding as I have leaving her at Wind River. Ellie has certain characteristics that make her a bit more of a challenge than some more easy going dogs. I have come to learn that all of the employees at Wind River are completely in tune with each dog that stays there, and work hard to ensure that every detail of any special requirements are handled perfectly. Ellie has stayed there for short visits as well as several weeks at a time, and she is always excited to go. If she hears "Do you want to go to the ranch?", Ellie immediately starts wagging her tail and is eager to get to the car. Leaving your dog behind while you have to travel can be really difficult, but knowing that they will be extremely well taken care of and happy makes a huge difference. You will most certainly get that if you leave you pet here.
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Tari Lautenschlager profile picture
Tari Lautenschlager
January 11, 2021
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Staff is great. Friendly. Very communicative. And, my dog really enjoyed his time there too
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Ellis Juhlin profile picture
Ellis Juhlin
February 13, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
We LOVE Wind River, I cannot say enough good things about the kennels and especially Elena. She has helped us learn how to communicate with and support our herding breed rescues and helped both our pups overcome tremendous hurdles! We tried several other types of training at other places but nothing seemed to work for Zayda to feel less reactive and just comfortable in new situations. Then we found Wind River. The dog Zayda is today is a complete 180 from the skittish pup we rescued, and we have Elena to thank!! She is the only person Zayda will choose to run to instead of me. Her care, commitment and ability to adapt to meet a dog where they’re at is inspiring.
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Ivvy Craig profile picture
Ivvy Craig
December 19, 2024
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Love this place. They do a great job with my disabled dog, and their training is next level. I use them for boarding while I am gone on vacation and my dogs always come back to me happy as can be. I did the board and train with my hound mix, and I would say that he was a totally different dog when I got him back. Best thing I could have ever done!
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Jennifer Wagoner profile picture
Jennifer Wagoner
July 1, 2022
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
My dogs love it here! The staff is really nice and helpful. :)
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Sara Senn profile picture
Sara Senn
September 21, 2022
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Worked with Kevin to train our pug. We worked on obedience as well as behavioral modification. After six training sessions, our girl is a whole new dog, calmer, obedient and a little joy to work with. Thank you so much Kevin. You are the best and I would recommend you to anyone who needs help with their pup.
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Jason Watkins profile picture
Jason Watkins
December 21, 2023
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Wind river was a great way to get foundational training when our busy life caring for young children didn't allow us to put the time into our puppy the way we needed to. We sent a hyper, non-obedient dog in hopes that we would see some improvement. Kevin spent 2 weeks training the basics of sit (applied stay), place (applied stay), and walking on a leash. When he came back to us, we couldn't believe how well he behaved. With our commitment to ongoing training, our dog has continued to flourish. We couldn't be happier with the results.
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Kristin Gyford profile picture
Kristin Gyford
October 17, 2022
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Trainers are super accommodating and really take the time to work with me and my service dog.
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Naomi Williams profile picture
Naomi Williams
February 21, 2019
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Had the privilege of working with Alle for service dog training and it was a wonderful experience during the process but the helpfulness after my dog Rocket graduated was beyond what was required.
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Mariellyn Page profile picture
Mariellyn Page
January 15, 2020
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Friendly and great trainers and staff
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Lara Chodelski profile picture
Lara Chodelski
February 13, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I've been a client of wind river for both boarding and training purposes and have nothing but wonderful things to say about both services. For boarding, they are incredibly professional and saftey-conscious. One of my dogs is not dog-friendly and they are great with him, make sure he's not put in positions that would make him uncomfortable and unsure everyone is safe. I feel confident leaving him with them when I need to go out of town, and they are fantastic to work with for drop off and pick up. For training, I've been working with trainer Elena for both general pet behaviour and competition obedience for my sport dog. We have also gone to El for bitework foundations and progression. Elena is a wonderful trainer that teaches in a way anyone can understand, and tailors training style and explanations to the person and dog she's working with. I'm a visual learner and it's been so wonderful working with her and having her show me what I need to do, and then helping me with my positioning to achieve the same effect. My dogs absolutely love her and I couldn't ask for a better person or trainer to work with. Go-home work between sessions is reasonable and achievable. I am so grateful to have Wind River and Elena available to me for boarding and training purposes. Knowing my dogs are in safe hands and I've got expert guidance with my training is a weight off my shoulders and it's so nice to see progress with my dogs. Also, my dogs absolutely adore Elena.
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Drew Craig profile picture
Drew Craig
March 12, 2023
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
We love Wind River! Honestly, 5 stars aren't enough for how amazing our experience has been with the trainers. Before Wind River, our dog was wild and out of control and we weren't able to get a handle on him. We enrolled Chewie in the Board and Train option that Wind River offers while we went off for a vacation. When we returned from our trip, we came back to completely different dog. Kevin was the primary trainer that worked with Chewie. During the training process, Kevin would send us updates of Chewie's progress and give us tips on how to help Chewie be successful. When we picked up Chewie they took us through an in depth walk-through on the training that was done, as well as 2 private lessons in the weeks following. If you are looking for the best trainers in the area, Wind River is the place to choose.
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Beth Kohn profile picture
Beth Kohn
January 3, 2024
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
My Rosie girl absolutely LOVES Wind River and the team there! They've become a second family ♥️
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Elizabeth profile picture
Elizabeth
January 20, 2023
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
We love Wind River Canine Partners for several reasons. 1) We feel confident and safe leaving our dogs in their care. I have 3 dogs. 2 of our dogs need medication and they are able to administer it to them. Our border collie, bull dog is scared of gun shots, and fireworks. They make sure she feels safe and confident. Our chihuahua can be grumpy but he is so happy when we come here. Our American Bully gets plenty of outside time, play and socialization. 2) Their training results speak to their dedication and hard work. We did a two week board and train last April with several follow up sessions for our American Bully. She was 4 months at the time. Lydia did such a great job with her. Our dog is now 1 and is still very motivated to do all of the training Lydia helped her with. The training we learned from Lydia also transferred to our other 2 dogs and helped us form new habits creating a more peaceful home environment. Also, our dog loves Lydia! 3) They are continuing to work with us as we prepare our American Bully to start training to become a service dog. We highly recommend their services.
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Jane Elleby profile picture
Jane Elleby
June 14, 2019
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Thank you Wind River Canine Partners for your work in fostering and encouraging a strong team with our son and his newly graduated service dog. Your expertise in good citizenship obedience training, medical task training, and public access training was thorough and infinitely rewarding for their team. AND you kept it exciting and fun. My son came back from his transfer of skills week full of confidence and ready to begin his life with a entirely focused and knowledgeable service dog! As a mother seeing the success of the partnership and team building, I feel grateful, appreciative, and thankful that we chose Wind River Canine Partners and would recommend your organization with the absolute highest of accolades. Thank you to Ally Cowan and the team. Jane Elleby
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Carla Jones profile picture
Carla Jones
March 5, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I highly recommend training with Ally she was great with our German Shepard puppy and taught me a lot so that I could continue the testing myself. I also recommend their boarding facility and the staff is so friendly!

CALL, TEXT, OR EMAIL!

(406) 272-2140

staff@windriverkennels.com

HOURS

Drop off & Pick Up Hours:
Open 7 Days Per Week
7AM-7PM

We are CLOSED from 12:30-2:30PM every day for ranch chores!

Training by appointment only!

ADDRESS

5353 E. CARLTON CREEK RD
FLORENCE, MT 59833

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