How to Prepare Your Dog for Hiking Season in Missoula

How to Prepare Your Dog for Hiking Season in Missoula

Spring and summer in Missoula and the Bitterroot Valley are all about hitting the trails—and if you’re anything like us, your dog is your favorite hiking buddy. But before you leash up and head to Blue Mountain or Rattlesnake National Recreation Area, it’s important to make sure your dog is truly ready for the adventure….

Why Private Dog Training Works Better Than Group Classes in Missoula

Why Private Dog Training Works Better Than Group Classes in Missoula

If you’ve been searching for the best way to train your dog in Missoula or the Bitterroot Valley, you’ve likely come across a few options: group classes at the local pet store, DIY training videos, and private dog training sessions. While group classes can offer basic guidance, private training is almost always more effective—especially if…

Bringing a Rescue Dog Home? How to Set Them Up for Success with Training

Bringing a Rescue Dog Home? How to Set Them Up for Success with Training

Spring is a popular time to adopt, and across Missoula and the Bitterroot Valley, rescue organizations are helping countless dogs find new homes. If you’re welcoming a newly adopted or foster dog, you’re probably feeling excited—and maybe a little unsure about what comes next. At Off Leash K9 Training Missoula, we’ve worked with hundreds of…

E-Collar Training Myths & Facts: How It Helps Dogs in Missoula Learn Faster

E-Collar Training Myths & Facts: How It Helps Dogs in Missoula Learn Faster

There’s a lot of misinformation out there about e-collar training—and as professional dog trainers in Missoula, we hear it all the time. People assume it’s harsh, harmful, or only for aggressive dogs. But here’s the truth: when used correctly, an e-collar is one of the most effective and humane tools for building off-leash obedience and…

Fixing Common Behavior Problems: Jumping, Barking, and Chewing Solutions for Missoula Dog Owners

Fixing Common Behavior Problems: Jumping, Barking, and Chewing Solutions for Missoula Dog Owners

As spring kicks into gear across Missoula and the Bitterroot Valley, dogs are spending more time outside—and for many owners, that means dealing with an increase in unwanted behaviors. If your dog is jumping on guests, barking at everything that moves, or chewing on things they shouldn’t, you’re not alone. At Off Leash K9 Training…

Hiking with Your Dog in Western Montana: Essential Obedience Skills for Safety

Hiking with Your Dog in Western Montana: Essential Obedience Skills for Safety

Spring has officially sprung in Western Montana, and there’s no better time to hit the trails with your dog. From the Bitterroot Valley to Missoula’s Rattlesnake Wilderness, this area offers some of the best dog-friendly hiking in the country. But before you grab your leash and hit the dirt, let’s talk about the obedience skills…

photo of short-coated black puppies

Reactive Dogs in Missoula: How to Build Confidence and Reduce Reactivity

Spring in Missoula means more people, more dogs, and more outdoor adventures—which also means more triggers for reactive dogs. If your dog barks, lunges, growls, or shuts down around other dogs, people, or new environments, you’re not alone. At Off Leash K9 Training Missoula, we specialize in working with reactive and anxious dogs across Missoula,…

Puppy Training 101: The Best Age to Start Training in Missoula

Puppy Training 101: The Best Age to Start Training in Missoula

Spring in Missoula is puppy season! Whether you’ve just brought home a new furry family member or are preparing to adopt, knowing the right time to start training is key to raising a well-mannered dog. At Off Leash K9 Training Missoula, we work with puppies of all ages, helping them build confidence, obedience, and social…

How to Stop Your Dog from Pulling on Leash – A Missoula Trainer’s Guide

How to Stop Your Dog from Pulling on Leash – A Missoula Trainer’s Guide

Spring is here in Missoula and the Bitterroot Valley, which means more dog owners are heading outside to enjoy long walks with their pups. However, if your dog constantly pulls on the leash, your peaceful strolls can turn into a frustrating tug-of-war. Whether you’re walking downtown, hiking Blue Mountain, or exploring Pattee Canyon, leash manners…

5 Dog-Friendly Adventures Near Missoula & Bitterroot Valley That Improve Obedience

5 Dog-Friendly Adventures Near Missoula & Bitterroot Valley That Improve Obedience

Exploring Montana’s beautiful outdoors isn’t just fun for you—it’s also a great opportunity to reinforce your dog’s training! Whether you’re hiking, walking along the river, or exploring parks, practicing obedience in real-world environments is key to building a well-mannered dog. If you’re looking for dog-friendly activities in Bitterroot Valley or the best Missoula dog adventure…