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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Shanna U profile picture
Shanna U
February 22, 2019
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
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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Dempsey Vick profile picture
Dempsey Vick
June 7, 2023
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
My wife says the place is awesome
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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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Terri Jenisch profile picture
Terri Jenisch
July 3, 2024
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
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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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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Josh Troop profile picture
Josh Troop
March 30, 2019
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Ally, Kelsey and team are incredible. Suka and I have worked with them since 2016. With each training session, I am more and more and more impressed with the professionalism, understanding, knowledge, and approaches they institute for the individual and their dog. Whether it's simple obedience training, specialty training, or boarding, they are by far, the best kennel I have ever encountered. I will continue to use them as long as I have dogs. Thank you WRCP!
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Emily Rogers profile picture
Emily Rogers
August 10, 2020
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
My shih tzu, Tucker, loves this place!! I was nervous with him being a little dog and most of the dogs there at the time being large. But they were very careful to place him with gentle bigger dogs :) Everything went very smoothly. Tucker will definitely be back!
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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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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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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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Ken Marshall profile picture
Ken Marshall
February 22, 2019
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Much wow!
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RLK LadyBugTribe profile picture
RLK LadyBugTribe
September 19, 2021
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
We love Wind River! And the best part is our dog loves Wind River. Every single employee is wonderful. They call you by name and they know my dog by name. Thor is put with pups he enjoys playing with and he is so excited when we turn down the lane.
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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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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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worfels profile picture
worfels
June 14, 2019
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
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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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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Gene Haire profile picture
Gene Haire
March 11, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Picked up my 8 month old Mini American Shepherd, Maggie, yesterday after three week board and train. Great experience! Our trainer, Elena Wickman, has been wonderful! Extremely knowledgeable, kind, accessible, and effective. Provided frequent photos and videos of Maggie's progress. Looking forward to our first followup training session on March 1. Highly recommend.
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Loren Mostad profile picture
Loren Mostad
September 4, 2016
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
The dog trainers are awesome!
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Sadie Viergutz profile picture
Sadie Viergutz
May 10, 2021
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I literally can't say enough good things about Wind River. It is a 40 minute drive...one way...from our house, but we wouldn't consider going anywhere else. When we first moved to Missoula we struggled to find overnight care for our bulldog. She is high maintenance both medically and socially. She can be a bit of a bully if she is hanging out with anxious/not confident dogs and was a cleft palate pup so is prone to pneumonia. We had actually been asked not to come back to a local facility that only breaks their groups up into "large" and "small" categories regardless of play style. They said that she required too much handling. Wind River has had no issues with her and integrates her into small play groups where she gets to have fun, but isn't allowed to be a diva. When we adopted a puppy during quarantine, we had a lot of issues getting him socialized and he developed some reactivity towards other dogs on walks. We decided to send him to the Board and Train program. It was expensive, but worth every cent. Ally sent us regular updates and videos of what they were working on so that we knew how to continue once he got home. We got an awesome hand off lesson where she showed us all of the ways that they had worked to make him more connected, more confident, and less reactive. It has been a lot of work to bring what he learned at "boot camp 😂" home, but Ally has been there for us with the included follow up lessons. We have had nothing but great experiences with Wind River. I completely trust them to care for my kids and they have given us so many tools to improve our all around relationships with our dogs.
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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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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.

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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