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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Gabbie Cummings profile picture
Gabbie Cummings
June 24, 2024
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I traveled with my friend and her dog to Montana for her daughter's wedding. We heard of this place from a friend of a friend. We went to check it out and have a meet & greet. What kind and friendly staff. Initial meet & greet was for 2 hours. He LOVED it!!! My friend, on the other hand, was like leaving her kindergartener on the first day of school. 🤣 We brought Teddy back for a 2 day stay. They allowed him to sleep inside with the overnight staff. He made a lot of new friends. Hannah was WONDERFUL!!!! If we are ever back in Victor or Hamilton and need a place to leave our pup, I will definitely come here. Thank you Hannah for being so wonderful to my friend and her dog, Teddy.
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Lara Chodelski
February 13, 2026
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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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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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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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Taylor Dowell profile picture
Taylor Dowell
February 25, 2019
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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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Shanna U
February 22, 2019
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I've been taking Nala to Wind River aka "camp" for 4+ years and it's been nothing short of an amazing experience each time. When I'm traveling, I take her there for boarding. Each dog has their own large play yard, complete with access to their own barn, and other dogs to visit with the entire length of their stay. Additional extras like Fun Walks with a kennel staff member or training refreshers add to this already stellar environment. Recently, I sprung for the 3 week Board & Train Program and Kelsey (who is just AMAZING) worked with Nala on her selective dog aggression issues and she's a whole different dog. It's strengthened our relationship and given her a job to do. I'd highly recommend this place to anyone, it's a dog paradise with the best staff and facilities I've ever encountered. I'm a happy dog mom with a dog who adores going to camp!
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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
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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Shannon Kimmell profile picture
Shannon Kimmell
August 14, 2024
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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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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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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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Katelyn Siemer profile picture
Katelyn Siemer
March 20, 2023
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
We brought our rough collie pup here for obedience lessons. Lydia was awesome working with us, giving us a great start to Scout’s life with our family. I especially appreciated the opportunities presented to obey in a controlled not at home setting with distraction. Would love to return again for more advanced training.
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Kate Haire profile picture
Kate Haire
May 13, 2023
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Many thanks to Kevin Alford for working with me and my English Cocker Spaniel puppy Percy - we are making real progress and I couldn't be more pleased. Kevin is extremely knowledgeable, experienced, and professional - as well as kind, patient, and able to explain not only what to do, but why, and the short-term and long-term outcomes to look for. Looking forward to more training in the future!
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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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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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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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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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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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Loren Mostad profile picture
Loren Mostad
September 4, 2016
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The dog trainers are awesome!
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Ken Marshall profile picture
Ken Marshall
February 22, 2019
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Much wow!
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Ben Deeble profile picture
Ben Deeble
January 21, 2024
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Boarded our dogs really well during 10 days of Montana winter cold.
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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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Trena Garrison profile picture
Trena Garrison
April 14, 2022
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Aly is a great trainer and really cares about my dog. I'm so grateful for her training my labradoodle Phinnly as my service dog .. the day-care is a great place for her to socialize. Thank you wind river kennels
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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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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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Chris Patterson profile picture
Chris Patterson
September 16, 2023
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Wind River and Kevin Alford did an amazing job with my 1 yr old GSD/Lab mix. He's a completely different puppy. Money well spent!
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Don Iarussi MFA profile picture
Don Iarussi MFA
January 28, 2021
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
this is a great place that I would recommend 21. They have done such an amazing job with my dog Zuma and just two visits a 5-month-old lab retriever. I cannot believe the progress that they have made with him in just two visits. Between my wife and wild River canine the dog has made remarkable progress from the time we adopted him a month ago
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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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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.

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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