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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Larissa Kennedy profile picture
Larissa Kennedy
September 29, 2024
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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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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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Alexandra Murray profile picture
Alexandra Murray
February 9, 2021
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
We worked with Haley Goodman at Wind River Canine Partners to get our two dogs trained, one received obedience training and the other one had behavioral issues. We saw huge improvement with both of them. Our nine month old puppy can we walked on a leash without pulling, listens to all of his commands, and is much more manageable now. Our 5 year old dog used to be terrified of humans and would bark a lot when they walked by or came near her. Now, she is excited to greet people, including kids who scared her the most, and she never barks when they are around. We didn’t think she would ever be comfortable around humans, so it was an incredible improvement all thanks to the time and dedication Haley gave. Haley was also very personable, highly responsive, and tailored the training to meet our dogs’ needs. Would highly recommend Haley and the training facility!
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Shannon Kimmell profile picture
Shannon Kimmell
August 14, 2024
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
To say I'm satisfied with my experience with Wind River Canine Partners would be a major understatement! Words can't completely describe how blown-away and ecstatic I am with the support and training I recieved. I brought my dog, Casserole, to Elena for private lessons to address Cassie's reactivity to dogs (and my anxiety surrounding it!). Elena is extremely knowledgeable, professional, and her experience really shines through. She was very up-beat and receptive to my questions and concerns, and her confidence and clear planning for my dog really set us up for success. I really appreciate how her training prepares us for real life situations. I seriously couldn't be happier! The group hikes are fantastic and easy to sign- up for, and I love them as an opportunity to continue reinforcing our training in a safe environment; I go as often as I can! Finding help for you and your dog that you can trust can be very scary and stressful, but if you need help with your dog, don't hesitate to contact Wind River Canine Partners!
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Tuesday Painter profile picture
Tuesday Painter
December 30, 2023
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I took both my dogs to wind River for their orientation for daycare. It went great! Staff was super helpful and very kind throughout the process. They do about 3-4 hour orientation which is the best I’ve seen comparing to others which allows your dog to really adjust and see how they will fit in. They also have lots of different play yards to allow all types of dogs to be able to attend daycare! They give you a report card when you pick up your pups which is a cute touch and allows you to really see how their day went.
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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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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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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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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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Rilee Zilkey profile picture
Rilee Zilkey
February 12, 2024
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I cannot say enough good things about Wind River. We’ve been bringing our two dogs there for four years now and every single time I turn down their dirt road, they both perk up and get excited to see their friends. The staff are the absolute best and make sure your dogs know that they are loved. Our smaller dog did the two week board and train and came back better than we could’ve expected. Our older guy is definitely a little grumpy and not as mobile, but they take care of him just as good as we do at home. Thank you, Wind River!
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Katlyn P profile picture
Katlyn P
April 10, 2021
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
We kept our dogs there for a few days. They’d slept a few 24 hours after because they were so exhausted. Beautiful property and great service.
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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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MariahLynn Macy profile picture
MariahLynn Macy
August 17, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Absolutely an ama,8ng place with ama ing staff. My dog loves it there
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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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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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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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Jami Fink profile picture
Jami Fink
August 12, 2020
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Wonderful place! I wouldn't take my dogs anywhere else for training or boarding. Amazing staff!
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Janelle Mostad profile picture
Janelle Mostad
January 24, 2024
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I developed epilepsy after An accident. My family did not feel as though it was safe for me to be out in the world by myself without help so we went to Wind River and asked them to train a dog to help me in the case I had a seizure. They did an amazing job. Katie (my service dog) even rode on an airplane with me numerous times. One flight attendant didn’t even realize she was there until we got off the plane because she was tucked under the seat. I was able to educate people not only on epilepsy, but on the requirements of a service dog and show them what Katie could do. If you need help with basic training or more advanced training, I would highly recommend Wind River. Their staff is friendly and encouraging. I can’t even express how thankful I am to wind River.
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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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Jason Ditsworth profile picture
Jason Ditsworth
March 8, 2024
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Great place to take your dog to play with other dogs. Our Bernedoodle has a blast at daycare. Great boarding service as well.
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Denise K Brannan profile picture
Denise K Brannan
October 18, 2023
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I chose WR for the obedience training as a recommendation from a peer. Kevin Alford was to be my corgi’s (7.5 mo) trainer. After 2 weeks of B&T, the transformation of my pup was amazing. Buster was not the head-strong boy I left in their care. I couldn’t be more pleased. The entire staff had my Buster’s well-being in mind.
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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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Mary Beth Egan profile picture
Mary Beth Egan
November 22, 2023
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Exceptional care and concern in their boarding- and their training WORKS! I recommend Wind River without hesitation. They changed our relationship with our puppy from chaos to calm and enjoyable. Their training is dog- and human-kind.
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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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Lori Davisson profile picture
Lori Davisson
December 23, 2023
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
My dogs love coming to Wind River. They have developed friendships with other dogs and it has made such a positive difference in their happiness plus they come home ready to rest!
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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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Elizabeth Warriner profile picture
Elizabeth Warriner
May 26, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
The best review I can give is from my dogs. They lose their minds they are so excited when we turn off the hwy to go there. They absolutely love it. It's a wonderful place to kennel the dogs when we aren't able to take them with us. Kevin was the trainer for 1 of my dogs, he will stop and return from chasing a jack rabbit. He is the best trained dog I've ever had.
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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!
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Boo Bear1982 profile picture
Boo Bear1982
December 28, 2023
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Great place to let your dog have a vacation! The staff is great with ALL sizes of dogs.
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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!

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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