Business Details
41 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Expert Dog Training & Boarding in Billings, MT
Thunder Ridge Kennels has been a trusted name in canine care and training since 1985, located just 15 minutes from Billings Airport in Montana. Founded by Leonard Houser, a seasoned expert with over 35 years of experience in dog training and boarding, our facility combines spacious kennels, expansive exercise fields, and a country setting to provide optimal care. We specialize in gun dog training, puppy development, and boarding services tailored to all breeds. Our commitment to personalized attention ensures every dog receives structured obedience training, socialization, and exposure to hunting scenarios. With heated kennels, 24/7 availability, and accommodations for special needs, we prioritize comfort and safety.Recognized by veterinarians and hunters nationwide, our program produces confident, enthusiastic hunting dogs and well-mannered companions. The integration of early-age training techniques and field trials ensures dogs develop natural instincts and reliability. Client testimonials highlight our ability to deliver results, from novice puppies to seasoned hunting partners. Our family-owned operation maintains rigorous sanitation standards and offers flexible scheduling for drop-off and pickup. With decades of experience and a focus on E-E-A-T principles, Thunder Ridge Kennels remains a leader in canine training and boarding solutions.
Services
Gun Dog Training
Puppy Training
Dog Boarding
Doggy Daycare
Obedience Training
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of experience in gun dog training and boarding.
- Our personalized training adapts to each dog's strengths and weaknesses.
- Heated kennels and country setting ensure year-round comfort.
- 24/7 availability for emergencies and flexible scheduling.
- Veterinarian-recommended boarding with special needs accommodations.
What people say
Excellent stamina
Tirelessly hunt
Calm in the car
Top-notch training
Family-friendly dogs
Services
Gun Dog Training
Our gun dog training program develops confident retrievers and pointers for field trials and hunting. Dogs learn obedience, marking, and cover navigation with live birds. Leonard Houser's 30+ years of experience ensures tailored techniques for each breed's natural instincts.
Puppy Training
Puppies begin training at 3 months old with socialization, manners, and basic obedience. By 6 months, they master commands, retrieve in water, and adapt to gunfire. Early exposure builds confidence for future hunting roles.
Dog Boarding
Spacious heated kennels and outdoor runs provide comfort for short- or long-term stays. Dogs exercise 3-4 times daily in fields and receive individualized care for special needs, including service animals and aggressive breeds.
Doggy Daycare
Daycare offers structured play and exercise from 8 AM to 5 PM. Dogs socialize in supervised groups or enjoy individual time, ensuring mental stimulation and physical activity while owners are away.
Obedience Training
Obedience training instills discipline and manners for hunting and household environments. Techniques focus on repetition, reward, and moderate pressure to build confidence and reliability in diverse scenarios.
People
Leonard Houser
Owner/Trainer
Leonard Houser has trained hunting dogs for over 35 years, specializing in retrievers and field trials. His expertise in canine behavior ensures personalized training programs that maximize each dog's natural abilities and enthusiasm.
Questions
What services does Thunder Ridge Kennels offer?
We provide gun dog training, puppy development, boarding, daycare, and obedience training for all breeds.
At what age should puppy training start?
Puppies can begin training at 3 months old for optimal development of hunting and social skills.
Are special needs dogs accommodated?
Yes, we board service animals and dogs with special dietary, physical, or behavioral requirements.
Do you offer 24/7 boarding access?
Our kennels are staffed daily from 8 AM to 6 PM, with emergency services available outside hours.
How are hunting dogs evaluated?
Dogs undergo temperament assessments and training tailored to their strengths in marking and cover navigation.
Can owners visit the facility?
Yes, contact us to schedule a tour of our heated kennels and exercise fields in Billings, MT.