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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Abby Shea profile picture
Abby Shea
August 15, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
My husband I recently boarded our two Goldens Harper and Hobbes with Wind River for a week and I couldn’t be happier with how professional, communicative, and passionate the kennel staff are! HUGE shoutout to Olivia and Savannah for taking such great care of our two babies and keeping us updated each day of our trip with a small add on! The facility is amazing but the staff is really where this business shines! We’ve never left our dogs for longer than a night but Wind River ensured they stayed together in play groups that would keep them safe, happy, and healthy. While we were anxious and worried sick about how they would do away from us, they were SO HAPPY and spent the week playing with friends, swimming, and just having a blast!! (Evidenced by the many pictures Olivia and Savannah sent us!) Wind River is the only place we’ll now trust with the cutest and fluffiest members of our family!!
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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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Tuesday Painter profile picture
Tuesday Painter
December 30, 2023
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
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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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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Mary W profile picture
Mary W
September 25, 2022
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Definitely recommend wind river canine and specifically Kevin. We took the foundations and off leash courses and I can honestly say the differences on off leash outings are like night and day. My dog is a high drive dog that wants to go,go ,go! And now we can do that, but she and I have learned that there are some basic rules🤣. Kevin was really great at training me and great at answering questions, helping me to understand the methods, etc…..I also really liked having lessons in a variety of settings, so much more real life situations than meeting in say an indoor facility. I really liked having private lessons over a group class setting. I know for a fact, I would not have gotten to where we are now being off leash without Kevin’s expertise.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Steven Goodsell profile picture
Steven Goodsell
August 24, 2021
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
My 4 obnoxious pups absolutely love coming here for the weekends. When we pull on to the road they start hopping around and whining because they know where they are. That they get to get out and play with the staff, and other pups.
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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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Dee Dee Armstrong
June 25, 2021
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Friendly staff and great customer service. They really care about the dogs that go there. If a dog is spending the night, the staff will go out and snuggle with the dogs in which I would love to know my dog is really being cared for. High recomend them for day care, boarding and training!
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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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Laura Lee profile picture
Laura Lee
September 20, 2017
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Laura very this place. Love these people.
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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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Hannah Tellier profile picture
Hannah Tellier
January 2, 2024
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I brought my first dog here in 2020 to start service dog training. We worked with Ally and have had the best experience. The whole team was amazing with my pup. We planned on doing owner training with support from a professional. Nothing could have been more perfect. Ally gave me space to work on what I knew how to do and helped me learn how to train things I didn’t know yet. We worked hard and the outcome was amazing. With my newest puppy, I trained him with Kevin. He was very gentle and kind to him and trained him the way he needed. Kevin pays close attention to your dogs and works with them to support their learning style. He is very knowledgeable and explained everything in a way I could easily understand. All four of my dogs love coming here. They have made wonderful friends and have a place to run and play. The facility is set up so there are multiple small groups of dogs. Rather than just one large play group, dogs are separated by size, temperament, and play style. I feel confident that my dogs are safe and happy when they board or come for daycare. Best part is, my puppy comes home tired and ready for a nap!
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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!
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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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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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Emily Weaver profile picture
Emily Weaver
December 12, 2022
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I have had a great experience with Wind River Canine Partners and I cannot recommend them enough. We put our black lab through the two-week foundation board and train with Kevin (who was absolutely fantastic) and it changed everything! He taught us how to more effectively communicate with our dog and gave us a running head start with her on-leash manners, on top of polishing up all her basic commands. Walks with her used to be exhausting and now they are enjoyable for both of us! I plan to send her back for the advanced training as soon as we can.
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Steven Carlston profile picture
Steven Carlston
June 16, 2023
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Very knowledgeable trainers We have had several rescue pups come out of there with skillz!
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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
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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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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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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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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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!

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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