About Ellie Bell’s Best Friends

Positive training off Rose Crossing

Ellie Bell's Best Friends is Ellie Bell's dog training business in Kalispell, which she has called home since 1989. She trains with positive reinforcement and a variety of rewards, aiming for dogs that are "cheerfully obedient" on or off leash. Her about page credits her with over 33 days of intensive seminars led by experts such as Ian Dunbar, Karen Overall and Jean Donaldson, and describes her as a long-time member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers. Her specialty is aggressive and shy dogs, and she uses Dr. Ian Dunbar's Dog Bite Scale when applicable.

Classes and prices

Private classes run 60-90 minutes in the facility, in public or at home and include a free assessment: 1 class $75, 4 classes $160, 6 classes $210 or 8 classes $260. The Best Friend Leadership Group covers obedience, agility, puppy socialization and tricks, at $200 for 12 classes of 90 minutes. She also offers short courses such as Recall & Stay, puppy socialization, obedience with AKC Canine Good Citizen testing, agility and tricks, and therapy, emotional support and service dog training. A complimentary class goes to adopted dogs within 6 months of adoption, veterans, active military, law enforcement, seniors and disabled owners.

The facility

The indoor training space is about 1,200 square feet, with two outdoor yards looking out on the mountains around the Flathead Valley.

What owners say

One client wrote that Ellie "knows dog behavior better than anyone I have met" and is "kind and patient in her teaching."