Mountain PAWS Retreat
Escape the everyday and deepen your bond with your dog at Mountain Paws Retreat, a unique getaway designed for connection, adventure, and relaxation. This retreat isn’t about perfect obedience—it’s about embracing the joy of doing things together. Whether exploring the great outdoors, learning new skills, or simply unwinding by the fire, you and your pup will create lasting memories in a welcoming, rustic setting.Over three nights, you’ll enjoy comfortable lodging, eight delicious meals, and a carefully curated lineup of activities designed to strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Expert-led sessions will focus on shared experiences rather than strict training, making this retreat accessible to anyone who loves their pup. You’ll also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of Montana with a choice between a scenic Yellowstone River boat float or a guided horseback trail ride. Plus, enjoy a relaxing Sip & Paint experience, featuring locally brewed Neptune’s Brewery beer, for a creative and social evening.Join us for two days of engaging, dog-centered activities led by top instructors, plus plenty of time to relax, explore, and connect. Savor a thoughtfully crafted menu, including breakfast service by Perk on Park, and more locally inspired flavors throughout your stay. Whether you’re hiking side by side, trying something new together, or simply soaking in the peaceful surroundings, Mountain Paws Retreat is your chance to step away from the noise and focus on what truly matters—the bond you share with your four-legged companion.
Your Instructors
Kylie Purcell
With over 20 years of experience in dog agility through the North American Dog Agility Association, Kylie brings a deep passion for canine training and connection. For the past 15 years...
DeeDe Baker
DeeDe Baker is the Founder and Executive Director of Dog Tag Buddies, an integrative therapeutic organization dedicated to supporting veterans living with the invisible wounds of war. Inspired by her...
Olivia D'Antuono
Olivia D'Antuono is the dedicated Club Captain of Bozeman’s MT K9 Frisbee Toss and Fetch League, a thriving community she established in 2022. Since then, she has played a pivotal role in expanding...
Cindy Conner
Cindy Conner has been immersed in the world of dog agility since 2001, when she took her first class with Huckleberry, a Black and Tan Coonhound. Though not a traditional agility breed, Huckleberry’s athleticism and love for teamwork took them all the way to...
Darcy Cook
Darcy Cook brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to canine wellness, having worked as a human physical therapist since 2002 and a canine rehab therapist since 2011. Her deep passion for...
Kim Shotola
Kim Shotola is a holistic animal wellness instructor, coach, and communicator with a deep passion for helping people connect with their animals on a physical, emotional, and spiritual level. With a career that began at the Houston Zoo, where she...
Lauren Kett
Lauren Kett is a Livingston local and co-owner of The Spur Line, a locally women-owned ranch and pet supply store dedicated to serving the Park County community. With a Bachelor’s in Animal Science from Montana State University and a Master’s in Meat Science from...
Mary Ann Norman
Mary Ann Norman discovered the world of dog sports by accident when searching for a puppy class years ago. Instead, she found agility training, and from that moment, she and her dog were hooked. What started as a fun activity quickly turned into a passion, leading her to...
Enjoy the splendor of Livingston, Montana and Paradise Valley
The Mountain Paws Retreat will be held at the scenic Luccock Park Camp. Located in the mountains above Paradise Valley, this rustic camp is the perfect setting for the Mountain Paws Retreat, with unlimited opportunities to explore the outdoors and the comfort to rest, relax, and connect at the end of the day.
1 hour from the Bozeman Airport
2 hours from the Billings Airport
25-minutes from downtown Livingston
1 hour to Yellowstone National Park
Retreat schedule
The Mountain Paws Retreat kicks off on Friday, September 12, with a welcome reception and dinner, giving attendees the opportunity to meet fellow participants and settle in for the weekend. Afterward, guests can choose from a variety of fun activities, including fly fishing lessons, a meet-the-staff session, or a scavenger hunt to explore the area. The weekend unfolds with an exciting selection of group classes, presentations, and activities, allowing participants to tailor their experience to their interests.On Saturday, September 13, the day begins with a delicious breakfast, followed by the option to join Yoga with Pups or dive straight into the day's classes. Choose from engaging sessions like Agility, Nosework, Connecting with Your Pup, or Shed Hunting. Additional offerings include Holistic Methods for Canine Care, Rally, Intro to Disc, Canine First Aid, and a chance to create Snuffle Mats. Each class provides valuable hands-on experience, with a focus on strengthening the bond between you and your dog.Throughout the day, special presentations such as Working Dogs for Conservation, Intermountain Therapy Dogs, and Wilderness First Aid and Survival Skills offer insight into the many ways dogs positively impact the world. The afternoon also features Canine Enrichment activities and a Montana Experience, allowing attendees to immerse themselves in the beauty of the area. After a relaxing dinner and presentation, unwind with a Sip and Paint session to finish the evening in a creative and fun way.On Sunday, September 14, the day begins with a calming Yoga and Breathing session, followed by another round of classes. Choose from options like Focus Games, Advanced Disc Skills, Crystals and Energy for Dogs, Let’s Go Mountain Dog, or Canine First Aid. The afternoon continues with additional Montana Experience activities and informative presentations. The evening wraps up with a dinner and presentation, followed by a chair massage and sipping session to unwind after a fulfilling day.The retreat concludes on Monday, September 15, with a Thank You Breakfast, offering the perfect opportunity to reflect on the weekend’s experiences, exchange stories, and say goodbye before heading home.
Retreat Pricing
$1,500
All inclusive pricing that includes meals, lodgings, and retreat classes.
Lodging at Luccock Park Camp.
All retreat meals and drinks.
Your choice of classes and experiences.
Does not include travel to and from the retreat.
A $500 deposit is required after your sign-up is approved and is applied to the total price of $1,500.
See the sign-up form for additional details on additional costs on selecting multiple experiences (river float and horseback riding).
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Kylie Purcell
With over 20 years of experience in dog agility through the North American Dog Agility Association, Kylie brings a deep passion for canine training and connection. For the past 15 years, she has dedicated herself to helping dogs and their owners build stronger relationships through obedience training, herding, nose work, and scent detection. Her expertise extends beyond competition, as she actively works with working dogs and continues to expand her knowledge in the ever-evolving field of canine science.As the owner of Montana Dog Company for over 15 years, Kylie has recently expanded her offerings to include canine massage, nutrition support, and cold laser therapy, ensuring a well-rounded approach to dog health and well-being. She also shares her knowledge with the community by writing informative dog care articles for the local paper.When she’s not working with dogs, Kylie embraces the Montana lifestyle with her husband and two toddlers, exploring the rugged beauty of the Crazy Mountains and soaking in all that the great outdoors has to offer. Her warm, down-to-earth approach makes her an invaluable guide for those looking to deepen their connection with their four-legged companions.
Deede Baker
DeeDe Baker is the Founder and Executive Director of Dog Tag Buddies, an integrative therapeutic organization dedicated to supporting veterans living with the invisible wounds of war. Inspired by her own family’s experience, DeeDe witnessed firsthand the profound impact that dogs could have on mental and emotional well-being when her husband, a 21-year military veteran, returned from a year-long deployment in Iraq. Determined to honor his sacrifice and support other veterans and their families, she created Dog Tag Buddies to provide a lifeline of companionship, trust, and healing through service dog training.Though she initially faced skepticism for not being a professional trainer, DeeDe's unwavering dedication led her to become a certified professional service dog trainer, earning her first obedience title and numerous trick and scent work certifications with her Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier, Millie. Through Dog Tag Buddies, she has developed a relationship-based training model that emphasizes trust and connection, not just between veterans and their service dogs, but also within the broader training community. Her approach focuses on understanding the human end of the leash, recognizing that true transformation happens when both the veteran and their dog learn to support and rely on each other.At Mountain Paws Retreat, DeeDe will share her expertise in building trust, deepening the human-dog bond, and fostering communication between handlers and their dogs. With a compassionate and relationship-centered philosophy, she continues to champion grace, understanding, and healing—both in her work with veterans and in the way we train, connect, and grow alongside our dogs.
Olivia D'Antouno
Olivia D'Antuono is the dedicated Club Captain of Bozeman’s MT K9 Frisbee Toss and Fetch League, a thriving community she established in 2022. Since then, she has played a pivotal role in expanding Montana Disc Dog’s presence across the state, bringing together dog lovers to share in the excitement of disc sports.Beyond leading the seasonal Toss and Fetch League, Olivia has been instrumental in organizing and coordinating local UpDog and Skyhoundz disc dog competitions. She has been training and competing in disc dog with her Border Collie, Nemo, since 2020, honing her skills with top trainers in the sport. Her passion lies in Freestyle Disc Dog, where dogs perform choreographed tricks while catching discs, and she is committed to teaching others how to safely enjoy the sport for a lifetime of fun.In addition to disc dog, Olivia and Nemo compete in agility and herding, always seeking new challenges and ways to grow as a team. When they’re not competing, you’ll find them exploring Montana’s vast wilderness, embracing the adventure and connection that come with life in the great outdoors.
Cindy Conner
Cindy Conner has been immersed in the world of dog agility since 2001, when she took her first class with Huckleberry, a Black and Tan Coonhound. Though not a traditional agility breed, Huckleberry’s athleticism and love for teamwork took them all the way to the NADAC National Agility Championships, where they earned multiple top placements in 2007 and 2008. Cindy’s passion for the sport led her to become a founding member of the Galloping Dog Agility Club (GDAC) in Bozeman, Montana, where she has served in leadership roles, designed the club logo, and volunteered as an instructor and event organizer.Over the years, Cindy has trained and competed with several agility dogs, each bringing their own unique challenges and triumphs. Her second agility dog, Clover, a Shepherd-Hound-Aussie mix adopted as a puppy, won the Versatility Challenge Cup at the 2008 NADAC Championships and later placed in both the World Extreme Games and the All Around Dog Agility Championships. Clover went on to earn 19 NATCH titles before retiring just before her 14th birthday. Cindy has since trained multiple agility partners, including Torrey, her current McNab, who runs at lightning speed and has already achieved six NATCH titles. Together, they continue to take on NADAC’s distance handling challenges, pushing the limits of communication and trust between handler and dog.When not on the agility course, Cindy, her husband, and Torrey enjoy exploring Montana’s wilderness in their camper, hiking through rugged landscapes and discovering new adventures. At Mountain Paws Retreat, Cindy will be offering agility classes for all skill levels, providing a welcoming space for dogs and their owners to learn, grow, and have fun together—whether they're brand new to agility or seasoned competitors looking to refine their skills.
Darcy Cook
Darcy Cook brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to canine wellness, having worked as a human physical therapist since 2002 and a canine rehab therapist since 2011. Her deep passion for both prehab and rehab, combined with her background as an avid mountain athlete and lifelong dog owner, gives her a unique perspective on injury prevention, recovery, and performance for dogs of all ages and activity levels. Darcy practices canine rehab at Black Dog Rehab in Livingston.At Mountain Paws Retreat, Darcy will be offering two specialized classes designed to support both senior dogs and active canine athletes. In The Bingo Club, she’ll guide owners through a massage-based approach to caring for older dogs, helping identify common issues—like back pain that may be mistaken for hip problems—and offering practical solutions to keep senior dogs comfortable, mobile, and thriving in their golden years.For those with high-energy pups, Let’s Go Mountain Dog! will focus on keeping active dogs strong, injury-free, and ready for adventure year-round. Darcy will cover warm-ups for peak performance, massage-based recovery techniques, and ways to prevent common injuries. Whether your dog is enjoying retirement or still chasing trails, Darcy’s expertise will help you keep them moving, feeling their best, and living life to the fullest.
Kim Shotola
Kim Shotola is a holistic animal wellness instructor, coach, and communicator with a deep passion for helping people connect with their animals on a physical, emotional, and spiritual level. With a career that began at the Houston Zoo, where she introduced holistic care to the animal collection, Kim has spent decades refining her approach to animal well-being. Since 2006, she has been teaching classes and offering consultations, both in-person and remotely, helping people expand their intuitive abilities and consciousness through their relationships with animals. Guided by the belief that “animals are a window to your soul and a doorway to your spiritual destiny”, Kim published her book, The Soul Watchers: Animals’ Quest to Awaken Humanity, in 2019.At Mountain Paws Retreat, Kim will offer classes designed to help dog owners deepen their connection with their canine companions. Through heart-to-heart intuitive exercises, energy work, and holistic healing techniques, participants will explore new ways to understand and support their dogs. Topics will include muscle testing, color and crystal therapy, and natural approaches to easing anxiety, with hands-on demonstrations and take-home tools for continued practice.Kim lives in Paradise Valley with her husband, two rescue dogs, two horses, and two adopted chinchillas, embracing a life deeply rooted in nature, intuition, and holistic healing. Her classes will provide a transformative experience, offering both practical techniques and spiritual insights to help strengthen the unbreakable bond between people and their dogs.
Lauren Kett
Lauren Kett is a Livingston local and co-owner of The Spur Line, a locally women-owned ranch and pet supply store dedicated to serving the Park County community. With a Bachelor’s in Animal Science from Montana State University and a Master’s in Meat Science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lauren has spent years researching, learning, and working across the agriculture and animal industries. Her passion lies in bringing practical knowledge and hands-on experience back to her community, helping both animals and their owners thrive.Lauren’s deep-rooted love for animals began in 4H and FFA, where she spent her childhood raising, training, and showing a variety of animals, from dogs and rabbits to cattle, sheep, and pigs—all while managing to keep a crisp white button-up clean in the summer heat. Today, she continues to give back by mentoring local youth, offering educational presentations, and supporting their efforts in competitions and fundraisers. In 2025, Lauren was honored as a Wrangler 30 Under 30 recipient by Cowgirl Magazine and a participant in Montana Farm Bureau’s ACE class.At Mountain Paws Retreat, Lauren will be leading enrichment workshops to help owners create engaging and stimulating activities for their dogs. Her Snuffle Mat Class offers a fun, DIY way to tap into a dog’s natural foraging instincts, while the Enrichment Ideas Class explores various ways to keep dogs mentally and physically engaged. Whether hiking Montana’s scenic trails with her dogs, Riff and Ralph, or curled up with a good book and a hot coffee, Lauren embodies a life filled with connection, education, and a deep love for animals.
Mary Ann Norman
Mary Ann Norman discovered the world of dog sports by accident when searching for a puppy class years ago. Instead, she found agility training, and from that moment, she and her dog were hooked. What started as a fun activity quickly turned into a passion, leading her to train, trial, and compete in multiple disciplines ever since.Mary Ann’s experience in agility opened the door to many other sports, and over the years, her dogs have earned titles in Obedience, Trick Dog, FastCAT, Dock Diving, Barn Hunt, Rally, and Nosework. Her current dog holds an AKC Master Rally title and has achieved Nosework titles with UKC, AKC, and NACSW. She feels incredibly lucky to live in Montana, where there are so many opportunities to train, compete, and most importantly, have fun with dogs.At Mountain Paws Retreat, Mary Ann will be leading Nosework and Rally-O classes, helping handlers strengthen their bond with their dogs through engaging training techniques. Whether you’re interested in competition or just looking for a fun way to connect with your pup, she believes that time spent training is time well spent.
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