Moon River K9

06/25/2024

Napping under the climb cot cuz being a puppy is such a hard life! Black 1 out of the 10 LGD puppies we have I can't believe they are now 6 weeks old! I'm very happy not bottle feeding them anymore 💖😂

05/06/2024

Welcome Currant to our 4 week Board and Train program!
This girl is 10 months old, she's very sweet, sensitive, smart, and looking for a family. Currant is a puppy out of Von Der Henne K9 in Montana. She is coming out of her shell throughout her first week of training she has a great personality. She is learning on & off leash obedience with confidence building, exposure to livestock and how to be the best girl! She's looking for her furever home after she completes our training program! Her new family will get free training lessons to ensure continuing her training successfully. Please PM if interested!

06/08/2022

We have private lessons available! These programs are perfect for puppies, young dogs, maintaining training, and the eager to learn owner!

05/23/2022

As you're getting ready for Memorial weekend have you taken steps to prepare your dog?

This upcoming weekend tends to include traveling, BBQ, family gatherings, parties, and other possible stressful environments for your dog. Preparing your dog will look different from one owner to the next as it all depends on your individual dog and plans! For some it might be booking your dog time at a boarding facility, setting up a quiet place to from escape guests if needed (for your dog not you! 😜) keeping your dog in a crate, utilizing a leash, starting a training program, and setting boundaries with guests are all great and common ways to prepare for all holidays.

Taking a few extra steps now not only keeps guests safe but also your dog! This is your friendly reminder to prepare your dog so you all can enjoy stress-free time with your loved ones!

Things I reccomend:

Utilizing a crate your dog doesn't have to be in it all the time but it can be very beneficial for most dogs to have some down time especially in very stimulating environments. If you see your dog getting a bit to spastic or doing naughty things it might be time for a break. Note: the crate should NEVER be used as a punishment.

A leash can be your best friend! If a crate isn't a good option for your dog then a leash might be the next best thing. This is more hands on but it gives you the ability to teach your dog how to properly behave in that environment.

Start a training program! This step might not be Necessary for the majority of dogs but if your dog is reactive your safest option is to work with a professional this needs to be done before the holiday to set you and your dog up for success!

Set boundaries this might be uncomfortable at first but at the end of the day you'll be glad you did it and so will your dog!

Pic: Zemeria practicing the art of doing nothing

05/17/2022

One of the questions we get asked the most is why do a board and train program and what are the benefits of it? Today we will be answering it since our BnT is our most used program!

First we should clarify what a board and train or BnT program is. It's basically a doggy bootcamp where your dog is trained multiple times per day every day by a professional trainer. The dog gets fully immersed into this program by living in home with us for the duration of 4-6 weeks roughly and once per week the owner(s) get a hands on lesson. During the lessons you learn our methods and how to maintain/continue training for the life of your dog!

Now that we know what a BnT is let's dive into the benefits! During a BnT we (the trainers) are teaching your dog a very solid foundation of skills and a communication system that truly takes a lot of hard work and time. Your dog is trained everyday, (except one day per week everyone need a break sometimes even your dog!) Physically stimulated, and is in a structured environment set up of success. We do most of the hardwork for you so you can enjoy your furry companion with less stress and minimal time on your part! After your dog is trained with us you can board your dog with us if you're going on vacation or any other reason! We primarily get dogs that have bad habits, young dogs, older dogs, and dogs that need behavioral rehabilitation. This program is for all dogs and owners we fully customize it to your dogs individual needs and training goals to set you and your pup up for success in any situation!

We do have other training programs for different needs, goals, and budgets that we will discuss in another post so stay tuned!

If you have any questions please leave them in the comments!

Pic: Swift Service dog and Kaitlyn in Las Vegas

05/13/2022

Ember (Dutch Shepherd on the right) came to us with extreme dog reactivity and needed a "job" working with her owners and our customized training program she has become a different dog! The goal wasn't for her to be friends with every dog she meets but to be neutral and tolerate other dogs which I'm happy to report she can now do relaxed!

As for a job she has been working on blood tracking for wounded animals (deer & elk) with her owners and our pets plus program for this upcoming hunting season this fall!

A lot of hard work has gone into Embers success from our end and especially on her OWNERS end! We love dedicated owners that put in the work and it always shows.

Are you ready to change yours and your dogs life? Message us for info on all of our customizable training programs. We train all breeds, any age, and any issue!

Pic: Ember (right) & Swift (left) in a down together something Ember couldn't get close to doing this before our program.

05/05/2022

Throwback Thursday to when we had snow, freeze you to the ground temperatures, and this handsome boy in training for some undesirable behaviors!

He was so much fun to work with even in the cold and his family did amazing with their homework!

Do you have a dog that needs training? Message us today to see our program options and schedule an evaluation!

01/17/2022

✨We have shed/antler training available in private lessons and a Board and Train programs for puppies and adult dogs! Message us to set up an evaluation to get your dog started on the journey of becoming a shed dog!✨

Shed training is a great activity to do with any dog! YES even your fluffy couch potato or a young puppy that needs a job can enjoy this especially working breeds.🐕‍🦺🐕

Our programs are customized to each individual dog and owner to ensure a successful partnership. If you are just looking to have a fun activity to do while hiking in the woods with your dog or maybe you want to take your shed hunting hobby to the next level whatever your goals are we can help you achieve them!

Email: [email protected]

01/08/2022

Any raw food feeders out there looking for locally sourced meat for their dogs? Old Medicine Ranch had rabbits, beef, pork, and lamb! They also have meat for the humans as well!

We're having a blowout sale at our booth and our online store! And for the first time in 6 months we actually have BEEF available! 🥩🥓🍔

Link below ⬇️⬇️⬇️

✨ https://app.barn2door.com/e/QkO02/all ✨

11/24/2021

Need anything before Thanksgiving?

Tonight is the winter market in missoula! Old Medicine Ranch will be there with $6 off on Ham and leg of lamb! Plus they have 5 types of sausage and 4 types of pork bacon, and lamb bacon!

--- The full ham is wonderful for a family gathering. For a classic Ham flavor, try honey-glazed or brown sugar-glazed! The perfect savory and sweet combo. All hams are pre-cooked!

10/19/2021

This boy is very sweet he just needs someone to commit to him! We want to help you and him succeed so we will give you 2 free lessons and 15% off on your training program when you adopt this handsome boy!

NOT KID OR ANIMAL FRIENDLY

Luke is still looking for his forever home! I will not lie he has a huge personality and is super cute!

He will only go to a home that is committed to continuing his training he is roughly 4 years old, neutered, and up to date on shots. He is more of a one person dog. He would excel at shed hunting, active hikes, scent training, tracking, trick training, and being a full time snuggle bug! He has been with us for a long time which we have enjoyed but its time for someone else to love this boy forever! He comes with 2 free starter lessons with Moon River K9 along with specific training information for him including his commands, games, reccomend dog food, crates, and more. If you choose to continue training with MRK9 you will get 15% off the package you go with and lifetime support! We will also send you info on free training resources we recommend.

Luke has no health issues, but has a history of being reactive toward humans, dogs, and cats. He has come along way in training he is almost a completely different dog with that said his training has a focus of teaching him how to be calm, managing his behaviors, and creating a communication system between him and humans. Working with him daily will be important to keeping up his progress in a positive direction. If you can't commit to a minimum of 20 mins of training total every day broken up into sessions, and two 30 min walks per day please do not message or ask for information as it is a waste of yours and our time.

10/18/2021

If we created a planner for dog training would you be interested?

It will be free to all past, current, and future clients. Otherwise it will be available for purchase online. Let me know what you think below and give this a heart!

10/18/2021

Do you have multiple ways to reliability communicate with your dog?

Not all commands are the same or have the same value. Let's use the recall as an example! Most people think of a recall as just the "come" command, their dog comes running and slams into their legs acting all goofy, but there's more to it than just one command with one reaction from your dog.

I have 5-8 commands per dog for my personal dogs that all resemble a form of the recall which allows me multiple ways to communicate with my dogs in any situation we may face. Not all commands have the same value or mean the same thing to your dog which is great if you take advantage of it or can go horribly wrong!

Let's use Swift as an example she is my Service dog and personal protection dog here is a list of some of her commands with their variations:

"Here" is a recall with a sit front (her formal recall)

"Heel" she comes to me and gets into the heel position which is by my knee at the left leg in a sit unless moving

"Middle" recall with her body in-between my legs in a sit

"Swift" name recall/engagement check in if not under a command she comes up to me or if in a command she gives me eye contact/ more focus.

"Stay close" when I'm on walks she can venture max 15ft away from me with check ins

"Whistle" emergency recall that has been worked on since she was a puppy this trumps everything must recall with a down once she reaches her handler.

"Hand signals" used for SD work and loud environments with a sit front.

Each command is different in meaning and value to her, meaning the rewards she receives are different some are food rewards others are toys or praise this taps into different types and levels of motivation. Training this way allows me to have many ways to communicate with her clearly in a variety of situations from training at home to protection, herding, Service dog work, the art of doing nothing and so much more.

The majority of owners I work with at first only focus on the come recall but fail to train other forms of it for the many unpredictable situations life will throw your way. My clients and I work on other ways to communicate to your dog if "COME" fails or maybe that's not the correct motivator for that situation. This can seem repetitive but is mentally stimulating your dog and builds your relationship. Having a fail safe is important especially if your dog is in town, the countryside, working on a ranch, a Service dog, and other jobs.

When training thinking outside the box and having fun is important. Most of the commands I mentioned are fun and building blocks to more complex commands/tricks. Keep an eye out for recall games in future posts, until then happy training and remember to keep it fun, productive, and engaging!

10/18/2021

Need to stock up? Old Medicine Ranch also offers 50lb bulk orders on the Barn2Door website for larger orders such as half or whole hogs pm them on their page!

Support local ranchers and farmers! We have been in this valley for 6 generations and we are proud to be able to help provide food security to members in our community! Get high quality meats, veggies, honey, and much more!

Our bulk pork 20lbs option is pefect for small freezers and medium sized families! You get a little bit of everything at a great price.

09/12/2021

08/26/2021

Calling on all artists and graphic designers!

We are working on designing stickers and hoodies we will select 4 designs total. 2 sticker designs and 2 hoodie/t-shirt designs. The designs must be dog related other than that please be as creative and original as possible!

Thank you in advance from all the pups! 🐕‍🦺💖

08/23/2021

We have training spots available! 2 Board & Train programs and 3 lesson packages for more info message us!

Happy Training! 🐕‍🦺💕

08/23/2021

This check list applies to all dog owners even if you go through a breeder, rescue, shelter, ext.

Would you be interested in a YouTube video on my basic dog essentials? Training, tools, food, toys, ext.

Let me know in the comments⬇️⬇️⬇️

📌 Here is our adoption check list for owners when bringing home your new dog!

Finding a good trainer is very important! When you adopt through us you get trainer assistance, 1 free lesson, and 10% off of all the programs Moon River K9 offers! (You don't have to live in MT, they do virtual lessons!)🥰🐕‍🦺

Graphic designed by: Moon River K9