How to Keep Your Dog Calm During Trick-or-Treat Night in Missoula

How to Keep Your Dog Calm During Trick-or-Treat Night in Missoula

Halloween in Missoula is full of excitement—costumes, candy, flashing lights, and a parade of doorbell rings from eager trick-or-treaters. But for your dog? It can feel like a night-long panic attack. Whether your pup is scared of masks, reactive to the doorbell, or a little too interested in that bowl of Snickers, Halloween poses serious…

Why Fall Is the Best Time to Brush Up on Your Dog’s Training

Why Fall Is the Best Time to Brush Up on Your Dog’s Training

Fall in Montana is more than just pumpkin spice and flannel—though we love those, too! 🍂 For dog owners in Missoula and the Bitterroot Valley, autumn is one of the best seasons to get outside and enjoy the beauty of the region with your pup. The cooler weather, vibrant landscapes, and quieter trails make this…

Fall Hazards for Dogs in Missoula: What Every Owner Should Watch Out For

Fall Hazards for Dogs in Missoula: What Every Owner Should Watch Out For

Fall in Missoula is one of the most beautiful times of the year. 🍂 With crisp mornings, golden larch trees, and endless trails, it’s a season both people and pups love. But as much fun as fall can be, it also comes with hidden dangers that dog owners should keep on their radar. Here are…

Missoula’s Best Fall Dog Adventures: Training Opportunities on Every Outing

Missoula’s Best Fall Dog Adventures: Training Opportunities on Every Outing

Fall in Missoula is nothing short of magical—crisp mornings, golden leaves, and endless outdoor adventures. 🍂 For dog owners, it’s the perfect season to explore the beauty of Montana with your four-legged companion. But here’s the secret: every outing this fall is also an opportunity to train your pup! From leash manners to recall, these…

Loose Leash Walking in Fall: Why Cooler Weather Can Mean More Pulling

Loose Leash Walking in Fall: Why Cooler Weather Can Mean More Pulling

There’s something magical about fall in Missoula. The mornings are crisp, the trees are painted in gold and red, and local trails like Greenough Park, the Rattlesnake, and the Bitterroot Valley feel extra inviting for long walks with our dogs. But if you’ve noticed that your calm summer strolls have turned into tug-of-war battles this…

How to Prep Your Dog Now for Fall Hunting Season (Even If You Don’t Hunt)

How to Prep Your Dog Now for Fall Hunting Season (Even If You Don’t Hunt)

Fall in Montana means crisp air, changing leaves, and for many—hunting season. But even if you’re not heading into the woods with a rifle or bird dog, your pup still might react to the season’s sudden sounds, scents, and changes. Gunshots, wildlife activity, increased foot traffic on trails, and the excitement of cooler weather can…

Why Every Dog Needs a Job—And How to Create One at Home

Why Every Dog Needs a Job—And How to Create One at Home

Montana dogs are built for action—especially in wide open spaces like Missoula and the Bitterroot Valley. But when your dog doesn’t have a job (even a fake one), they often make one up… and it’s usually something you don’t want. Chewing the baseboards. Digging up the backyard. Barking out the window all day. Whether you’ve…

Kids & Dogs: Back-to-School Boundaries for a Peaceful Fall

Kids & Dogs: Back-to-School Boundaries for a Peaceful Fall

When the school year kicks off in Missoula, your home probably shifts from summer chaos to quiet mornings and busy afternoons. But for your dog, these changes aren’t always smooth. Less time with the kids, long hours alone, and new routines can lead to boredom, anxiety, or even behavioral issues. At Off Leash K9 Training…

The Power of Consistency: Why Mixed Messages Confuse Your Dog

The Power of Consistency: Why Mixed Messages Confuse Your Dog

If you’ve ever asked your dog to sit while your partner lets them jump, or tried to reinforce “off” the couch while your kids sneak cuddles, you’ve seen firsthand how inconsistency leads to confusion—and behavior problems. At Off Leash K9 Training Missoula, we see this all the time. Families and couples come to us frustrated,…

two dogs playing on grass

Backyard Boundaries: Teaching Your Dog to Respect Fences, Kiddie Pools & Summer Chaos

There’s nothing better than a laid-back summer afternoon in your backyard—until your dog starts digging under the fence, jumping up at the grill, or turning the kiddie pool into a splash zone of destruction. Sound familiar? At Off Leash K9 Training Missoula, we help local families teach their dogs to respect backyard boundaries and behave…