Thunder Ridge Kennels

Training begins as early as 3 months of age with foundational obedience, socialization, and exposure to birds and gunfire. By six months, dogs are expected to heel, sit, come on command, retrieve on land and water, and respond to marking cues. Training includes force fetch, navigation through cover, and building confidence under moderate pressure. Programs are tailored to the individual dog’s strengths and weaknesses, with an emphasis on preparing dogs for hunting and field performance. Boarding and daycare services are offered alongside training.

Pricing Summary

Boarding rates are described as affordable with no extra charges for medication, temperament evaluation, or playtime. Specific training pricing is not listed; clients are directed to contact for details. Started hunting dogs are available for purchase.

Policies

Clients are required to fill out a Pet Information Form prior to boarding or training. No specific cancellation or rescheduling policies are stated.

Thunder Ridge Kennels is a dog training and boarding facility located in Billings, Montana, owned and operated by Leonard Houser, who has over 35 years of experience training and boarding dogs. The facility specializes in hunting dog training, particularly for retrievers and pointers, with programs starting as early as 3 months of age. Puppies receive structured training in obedience, manners, socialization, exposure to birds, gunfire, and decoys, with the goal of producing confident, well-behaved hunting companions by six months of age. Training occurs on-site in spacious kennels and vast exercise fields, with all dogs under Leonard’s direct supervision. In addition to training, Thunder Ridge offers long- and short-term boarding, doggy daycare, and sells started hunting dogs. The facility is known for no extra charges for medication administration, temperament evaluations, or playtime during boarding.

Leonard’s training approach combines gentle obedience, repetition, and reward with moderate pressure to build confidence in hunting tasks such as marking, retrieving over land and water, and responding to commands in varied weather and terrain. Dogs are trained to be obedient around gunfire, deliver retrieves softly to hand, and remain calm and social with family members and strangers. The kennel accepts all breeds, with particular expertise in Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shorthaired Pointers, Springer Spaniels, and other gun dog breeds.

Accomplishments

Leonard Houser has over 30 years of experience training hunting dogs and has participated in field trials. He is known throughout the U.S. for producing high-performing hunting dogs, with clients including professional guides and hunters who return for multiple dogs. Many of the dogs trained have successfully hunted sharp-tail grouse and waterfowl by 7 months of age.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients are encouraged to contact Thunder Ridge Kennels directly to discuss training or boarding needs. A Pet Information Form must be completed prior to arrival.