About The Retreat at Three Dog Ranch

The Kalispell side of Three Dog Ranch

The Retreat at Three Dog Ranch is the Kalispell location of Three Dog Ranch, a family-owned dog care business in the Flathead Valley whose owners are Ken and Stephanie. While the Whitefish ranch handles daycare and boarding, The Retreat focuses on dog training, Board & Train and luxury boarding, and staff are K-9 CPR & First Aid certified.

Training approach

Training is led by Sam, who describes years of experience, a certification in dog training and a focus on positive reinforcement and the principles of operant conditioning. Sam's philosophy is about teaching and reinforcing the behaviors owners want rather than correcting unwanted ones, without compromising trust between dog and owner, and about giving owners the skills to keep training at home. Plans are customized to breed, age, temperament and goals.

Programs

Family Dog Manners teaches about 15 skills, including attention, targeting, self-control, walking politely on leash, coming when called, sit, down and stay. Puppy Preschool is a 4-week rotational class for puppies 8-16 weeks old focused on socialization and confidence. Puppy Kindergarten runs six weeks plus an orientation for puppies from about 12 weeks up to 1 year, turning sit, down, stay, settle and loose-leash work into games. Puppy programs also cover potty training, crate training and mouthing. Personalized training and a Board & Train program combine daily training with boarding.

What to ask

Ask about training prices and Board & Train length.