OLK9 Team Hits the Trails at Big Sky Horse Park Pet Run 2025
Missoula’s love for dogs was on full display on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the 4th Annual Big Sky Horse Park Pet Run — and our team at Off Leash K9 Training Missoula was right in the heart of the action!
Held at Big Sky Horse Park at 3500 North Ave W, this beloved springtime event brought together dog lovers, runners, pet businesses, and local vendors from across Missoula and Western Montana. With scenic 3K, 6K, and 10K trails, the Pet Run was a celebration of active lifestyles, community connection, and the unbreakable bond between dogs and their humans. Our team was thrilled to lace up our shoes, leash up our pups, and join in.
Representing Missoula’s Dog Training Community
At Off Leash K9 Training Missoula, we specialize in helping dogs and their owners build reliable obedience, mutual trust, and a deeper connection — both on leash and beyond. So when an event like the Big Sky Horse Park Pet Run rolls around, we jump at the chance to take part, support our community, and put our training in motion.
This year, our trainers and their families participated in the races alongside several of our amazing clients and their dogs. It was a joy to see so many familiar faces out on the trails, demonstrating the kind of leash manners, focus, and calm behavior that come from consistent training and positive reinforcement.
Whether it was trotting along in the 3K or pushing limits in the 10K, our team and our trained dogs handled the challenges of the course with confidence — even amid distractions like crowds, other dogs, vendors, and the exciting energy of race day. It was a real-world showcase of what structured training can do.
A Day of Community, Canine Connection, and Celebration
Beyond the races, the Pet Run was a full-day experience filled with tail wags, laughter, and new friendships. Local vendors set up shop around the park, offering everything from pet gear and handmade treats to dog-focused services and community resources. Attendees could shop, chat with fellow dog lovers, and even get professional pet portraits taken to remember the day.
Prizes were awarded for top finishers in each race category, and the energy was contagious. The event had one important rule: one dog per human, and all dogs must remain leashed throughout the event. This helped keep the experience safe and enjoyable for everyone — especially for our more anxious or excitable canine participants.
As trainers, we were especially encouraged to see how many participants took this rule seriously and how many dogs showed up well-prepared. It’s clear that the Missoula pet community values not just fun, but also responsible dog ownership — something we care deeply about.
Real-Life Training in Action
For our team, participating in the Pet Run wasn’t just about representing Off Leash K9 Training Missoula — it was about giving our board and train dogs a chance to practice obedience in a real-world, high-distraction environment. Events like these are ideal opportunities to reinforce loose-leash walking, neutrality around other dogs, and reliable focus under pressure.
Why Events Like This Matter
As trainers, we’re often focused on the day-to-day of obedience sessions, behavior modification, and building trust between dogs and owners. But events like the Big Sky Horse Park Pet Run remind us of the bigger picture: why we train in the first place.
It’s about being able to confidently enjoy life with your dog — whether that means hitting the trails, exploring new places, or simply participating in local events that bring people (and pups) together.
We believe every dog should have the chance to be a well-behaved companion, and every owner should feel proud and prepared when stepping into public spaces. We’re honored to help make that happen.
Thank You, Missoula!
The Big Sky Horse Park Pet Run 2025 was a beautiful reminder of what makes the Missoula dog community so special: active lifestyles, open trails, and the shared joy of life with dogs.
We can’t wait to join next year, stronger than ever, with even more pups ready to shine.
Interested in joining the next big adventure? Let’s get your dog ready for success. Reach out today and schedule a free consultation!
