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

08/22/2021

Please help the rescue expand! This will help many dogs and owners. We are extremely excited to be apart of this. New beginnings for k9s and humans alike!

You can make a difference by donating today to Montana German Shepherd Rescue Inc. We… Kaitlyn Campbell needs your support for Rescue Expansion and K9 Care❤

08/10/2021

Our sister company has been making big changes for the better! If you are interested in this spots are limited so pm Old Medicine Ranch for the order form and more info!

Hey everyone!

We are extremely excited to announce that we will be starting our meat subscriptions in September through April. We are now taking deposits while we still have limited spots available and we are taking orders on our bulk boxes. A subscription is perfect for couples, roommates, small families, friends, and large families alike!

Why join a meat subscription?

To support your local farmers and ranchers

Getting high quality products at great prices without going to the grocery store

Knowing where your food comes from and how it is raised

Being confident that you are getting fresh products

To get our order form please comment or pm us.

We look forward to getting to know each of our clients and hope to have a positive impact on your lives.

-Kaitlyn

07/29/2021

07/22/2021

You just brought home your new puppy, now what? 🤷‍♀️😅

❇Use a crate!
Make sure to crate your puppy during the day and night. Not only when you leave the house or go to bed, this can cause separation anxiety or destructive behaviors, we recommend at least 2-4 hours during the day.

❇ A leash is your best friend!
Have your puppy on a leash anytime they are out of the crate. Using a leash is a safety precaution, helps with potty training, preventing naughty behaviors, and building a strong relationship together.

❇Work for food.
Have your puppy work for their food by hand feeding via training sessions. I measure the puppy's daily amount of kibble, in a bag or bowl, then I use that to train with. Measuring everything, kibble, treats, ext. Ensures your growing pup gets all the nutrition needed to be strong and healthy, while you are building food motivation, desire to work for you, engagement, and so much more!

❇ Sign up for Training!
The earlier you start training the better off your puppy will be and so will you! A professional will give you guidance on what your individual puppy needs and creates a training plan.

❇ Be patient!
Puppies don't know anything about the human world yet. It is your job to train and educate your pup so they can be successful members of our society. Slow and steady is way better than fast and sloppy. Take your time and listen to your trainer's advice.

We hope this will help with some of the stress of bringing a new puppy home! Please like, share, and comment if you found this helpful!

What topic should the next post cover? 🤔⬇️⬇️

Photo: Cowboy as a puppy with his litter mates and mom approximately 4 weeks old 💖

07/17/2021

⚠️Hey you guys! We need your help ASAP! ⚠️

Rory the great pyrenee, that lives on the ranch and helps rehabilitate all the rescue dogs we have come through us and all client dogs during training, has been POISONED!! We had to rush her to the emergency vet which unfortunately is not affordable at all for most people. Please donate we need your help if you can't donate please share! 🙏🙏

Rory is fighting for her life tonight! She is a strong healthy girl but she is 100% blind right now and she may not recover. She was out doing her job protecting the livestock and our homes when someone POISONED her! 😭😭😭

https://gofund.me/dee27411

Hi, My name is Rory. I live on a ranch in western Montana and spend my days and nights protecting… Angela Campbell needs your support for Rory emergency vet

07/15/2021

✨Multi dog household tips for life long success. ✨

Multiple dogs wanting to fight in the same household can be extremely stressful and dangerous for everyone involved humans and dogs alike.

I have had a multi dog home my entire life, my family and myself have always had 2 or more dogs both pets and working dogs, and we definitely have had our fair share of fights and dogs not getting along in the past. Over the years when I started my career I started implementing different guidelines structure and rules for my personal dogs and in client dogs. A lot of these dogs (clients) have reactivity and aggression issues, I have never had any issue with these dogs due to my household being a controlled environment.

Most multi dog homes can struggle managing or fail to notice all of the innocent behaviors that they think their dogs are doing which can lead to serious long term problems in the future.

For example what if your dog on the floor next to your feet isn't good at communicating that they want alone time. What happens if your other dog goes to play with him and pi**es him off? This may seem innocent or normal but it can turn into a fight 6 months later.

What if one of your dogs has a chew toy and your other dog goes up to him and takes it from his mouth. That might not seem like a big deal now and possibly even cute today but will it still be cute in 3 months or will it p**s your other dog off and cause a massive fight?

What if you are eating and accidentally drop a tiny morsel of a scrap of food and your dogs rush toward the food, one of them gets it and the other doesn't . That may be fine today but will it be safe in a month? This is extremely serious. This is what creates a fighting household.

I see minor issues all the way from dogs having to be on separate floors of a house because they cannot even be in the same room together. It's all due to these seemingly innocent and insignificant situations overtime.

My house as a tight ship that's how I can keep everyone safe and fulfilled. They only play when I let them and stop when I say so. They get toys and balls every day to play with but never together. I never feed my dogs together, they all can but I CHOOSE TO NOT PUT THEM IN THAT SITUATION. My dogs love each other and I will not put them in a situation to jeopardize that.

Making small changes can go a long way to preventing a fight in household and even managing a household that is already experiencing problems.

We are always Happy to help if you have any questions please comment below or DM us!

Please like and share this if you found this post helpful! 💖🐕‍🦺🔆

06/29/2021

Go support our sister business! They have the best burger around!

06/29/2021

This handsome boy is still looking for a new home!

⚠️Mr. Luke is still looking for his home! ⚠️

He needs someone committed to training him, giving him a job, and a fulfilling life. Moon River K9 will help with this transition for the first 4 weeks with 1 lesson per week. This boy can stay in Montana or find a home out of state his training can be done virtually! Please if you know anyone that wants a life companion to learn and grow with please send them this post!

Luke is extremely sweet! He has lots of energy and a big personality. He will give you everything he has, loves to learn and please his human! 💖🐕‍🦺

06/29/2021

Keeping your dogs hydrated and cool is extremely important in this heat! 🥵🌞💖☀️🐕‍🦺

Stay cool and train on! 💖

06/23/2021

Hey everyone the Montana German Shepherd Rescue is looking for foster families! If you are able to help please reach out to them! Fosters help save lives and we appreciate every single one of you! 💖

Moon River K9 has a number of different training programs to meet yours and your dog's needs. We wil

06/07/2021

ONE DOG HOME ONLY! NO CATS OR OTHER ANIMALS

Mr. Luke is now available for adoption! This boy is incredibly sweet and will be completing Moon River K9's rehabilitation program in approximately in 1 week. He is looking for his forever home. We will be extremely picky about the home/owner he goes to. He will need continued training and an experienced owner handling a dominate and energetic dog. He will only go to someone that will commit to his training, (not just obedience) mental stimulation, physical stimulation, comfortable with using a prong collar, an ecollar, and no other pets. He does really well with one owner not multiple people. He will come with 3 lessons 1 hour each in person or virtual. These lessons are designed to set you and your new dog up for success in any situation. We would prefer to adopt him locally.

Please help this boy find his new home like comment, and share! We are currently NOT accepting surrenders UNTIL Luke has been adopted as we have limited space. Then we can accept 1 new surrender.

Want to help but can't adopt right now?
No worries donations no matter how small help same with sending us dog goody bags for the dogs. We will be creating a wish list on Amazon then you can purchase the items we need and it will be sent directly to us!

All donations, and gifts are tax deductible.

06/05/2021

How to introduce your dogs to your baby:

With a new baby in the family (my baby cousin) this post feel relevant right now. Please note this is advice NOT a substitute for a professional. I'm assuming that your dog is stable, not aggressive, fearful, or unstable in anyway. If your dog fits into these categories or you have any doubts about your dog please seek out a professional to help you and your dog. Your child's safety is the most important thing when introducing dogs and babies so always take your time and don't try to force your dog to accepting the baby faster than they are ready. Some dogs adjust wonderfully fast and others need more time possibly months before officially meeting your baby.

First step is to take your time! Don't rush your dog. I reccomend waiting 10+ days before even starting the introduction process after bringing your newborn home. This allows you to be rested and starting to figure out a new routine same with your dogs. We want your dogs calm and not over stimulated when doing this. Take your dog out for a walk, fast paced obedience, or run to physically and mentally stimulate them before asking them to calmly lay down on a climb cot or dog bed while you have your baby safely in your arms your dog will be able to smell her/him and get used to her/him being apart of the pack. They do not need to meet your baby right away. If you live in a multiple dog home only work with one dog at a time have the others outside or in a crate for now. Once all your dogs know the rules you can slowly introduce them together. They should not be stepping on the newborn, in her/his face, and no puppy kisses on the face that is not sanitary for your newborn.

Second step is to leash your dog! This gives you more control of your dog and shows that they need to respect certain boundaries with the baby. Have someone help you with this. Your helper will have your dog on leash and treats ready with the baby on the couch in your arms. Have your helper walk toward you and stop about a foot away and reward calm behaviors only. Repeat with every dog separately.

Three always have your dog leashed when around the baby. Don't put your baby at the dogs level or within their reach. And have clear rules that apply to ALL your dogs stay consistent and always end on a positive note. Example of rules: pawing, no face kisses, no trampling, and no jumping.

Five teaching your baby how to respect animals and having clear boundaries with him/her will ultimately help you avoid the dog getting his hair pulled or tail or even grabbing their ears which could cause your dog to snap a warning.

Six avoid having your child around your dogs food bowls the same goes for your dog don't allow them to invade your child's space while eating as this can be the perfect situation for the dog to steal snacks and potentially nip their hands.

I hope you find this helpful! Keep an eye out for our post about how to prep your dog before bring your baby home. 🐕‍🦺🥰