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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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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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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Nicole Pressman-Schneider profile picture
Nicole Pressman-Schneider
January 4, 2024
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Always a reliable place for my pups to be well cared for. I love that the pups can be together and have room to play. The staff are fantastic at communication and obviously have a love of dogs.
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Casey Smith profile picture
Casey Smith
April 10, 2024
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Great staff and facility! Thank you for training our new pup so well, we will recommend you to everyone we know! :)
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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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Vicki Arduini profile picture
Vicki Arduini
July 10, 2023
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
We are extremely happy with Wind River. First we had our timid girl stay there for daycare. The staff goes above and beyond to make sure your dog is with other dogs with the same energy level. They don't just put them all in an area together. We have also had our pup here for foundation & partnership training, fantastic, and then for the advanced off leash training. Kevin did such a great job. Our fear, living in a rural area, was that she would take off after a deer or other wildlife. After a board and train session with Kevin our girl comes running back every time we call her. We don't have to use whistles or e-collar. We especially appreciated the included hour long training sessions with us to reinforce with she had been taught. Thank you Wind River Canine Partners and Kevin for such a great experience!
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Lori W profile picture
Lori W
October 17, 2021
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Ally is very knowledgeable about service dog training. She is also willing to fit the training to you and your dog. Not a one size fits all approach. Highly recommend Wind River Dog Training!!
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Karyn H profile picture
Karyn H
July 5, 2024
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Wow! Just wow!! We are so happy with the training that Rex received from Elena-- I'm still in shock how good he is. He heals perfectly and just the fact that we can take him out and he doesn't run away is still blowing my mind. It's so nice to be able to have a dog that can go with you places and be GOOD!!! His life will be changed forever and we get ours back! Prior to his training, he was 3 years old when we got him from Anaconda humane society and had been in their kennel for 10 months. Didn't think it was possible to get him to be 'normal' since he was kenneled for such a critical time in a dog's life. Wasn't sure he was fixable... but Elena did it!!! with flying colors. We are very appreciative!!!
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Scott Dahmer profile picture
Scott Dahmer
September 14, 2017
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
If you want your dog well cared for....take him/her here.
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Elizabeth profile picture
Elizabeth
January 20, 2023
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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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Ruth Blacketer profile picture
Ruth Blacketer
July 24, 2024
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
This is our favorite place to board our 7 yr old active GSD. Dogs can be boarded with similar size/personality or boarded separately. Pens are large and grassy. The staff is fabulous, and everyone I've met loves animals. After boarding there for 5+ years, I have to say we won't go anywhere else!
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Jeff profile picture
Jeff
January 25, 2024
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I felt extremely comfortable recommending wind Rivers services during the time I managed a competing facility, unleashed. I received exclusively positive feedback about wind River from clients and acquaintances. Recently I had two of my dogs in for a temperament assessment at wind River. I was very impressed with the smooth and professional operation I found. I received a detailed behavior report on both my dogs, compiled by one of the wind River trainers Hannah. I've had the pleasure of working with Hannah in the past at another facility and I trust her implicitly. The owner was kind enough to come out and go through my dog's assessments with me personally and in depth. It was the end of the day, there was only one dog left, but The owner still took the time to give me the very best one-on-one service. Boarding is hard. It's hard on the dogs and it's hard on the people. Knowing there's a place I can trust to care for my dogs when I'm away is literally priceless! Thank you so much
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George Havens profile picture
George Havens
October 24, 2021
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Nice facility with an outstanding staff.
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Michelle Navarro profile picture
Michelle Navarro
October 29, 2022
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Kevin is a phenomenal dog trainer! He's knowledgeable, patient, and thorough. I appreciate the extra time he took to educate my family in dog behaviors and how those behaviors relate to training. Every session, he made sure we were comfortable with the training exercises and continuing those exercises beyond the lessons. His teaching style is the reason we were able to gain the success we have and I will continue to use him for future training needs. Thank you, Kevin!
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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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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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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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worfels profile picture
worfels
June 14, 2019
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Or dog has had a lot of successful training here. And it's the only place we board him because he gets to have such a great time. It's so helpful to know that when you say goodbye!
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Anna Cohen profile picture
Anna Cohen
February 12, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Elena worked MIRACLES with our Vizsla! I am so very thankful for all that she’s done to help us and our dog!!
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Terri Jenisch profile picture
Terri Jenisch
July 3, 2024
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When we adopted our energetic Aussie/Bernie/Poo, we knew he would have high energy and would need training. Despite our best efforts, we were not successful at managing his behavior. We decided to invest in training for him in a board and train program that emphasized positive reinforcement. We went with Wind River Canine Partners. We had an interview with Kevin and decided on a three-week board and train. The transformation was remarkable. They were professional and compassionate from the beginning and they kept us updated with regular progress videos and photos. They focused on rewarding Duncan for good behavior and making him successful, which really made a difference. Duncan returned home with a solid foundation of commands and much better manners. Kevin also provided us with a training plan to continue his progress. It was a relief to see Duncan so happy, confident, and well-behaved. The board and train program was a game-changer for us, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the positive impact it had on our puppy!
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Sean Means profile picture
Sean Means
February 22, 2019
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
The only place I trust with my dog aggressive pit bull! Great staff and great facilities.
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Taylor Dowell profile picture
Taylor Dowell
February 25, 2019
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Amazing trainers, they work miracles! Best boarding facility in the area, my dogs always get all the exercise and attention they need and are EXHAUSTED from playing so much when I pick them up!
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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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Mary Newpower profile picture
Mary Newpower
June 11, 2023
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Wonderful people, superb training highly recommend
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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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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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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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Aaron Madsen profile picture
Aaron Madsen
April 11, 2019
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Seems to be popular
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Deb Bradford profile picture
Deb Bradford
June 29, 2024
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I gained valuable experience with my pup training with Kevin. I appreciate the time spent learning the proper way to handle situations that I might encounter with people and dogs. I know that it is the person who is ultimately responsible for the reactions of the pup. The training has been very helpful to a great relationship with my new companion!
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Silly Kristiena profile picture
Silly Kristiena
March 13, 2024
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I always feel relaxed, relieved and grateful when Wind River has my dog. I can travel without worry!

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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