World-class training and boarding on a family-owned ranch at the foothills of the West Elk Mountains. Ted Hoff has spent 35+ years building trust with dogs of every breed.
What We Offer
25 indoor/outdoor kennel runs — each 5×20 ft, climate-controlled, and located steps from the family residence for constant supervision. Exercise, purposeful play, and professional attention every day.
Positive reinforcement from a trainer who has spent a lifetime learning how dogs think. Basic obedience to finely-tuned retriever gundog training — with dedicated owner instruction at pick-up time.
Weekly Tuesday runs to the Roaring Fork Valley — drop off and pick up at Aspen Rent All in Basalt on Hwy 82 between 1:00–2:00 PM. Space is limited; reserve early.
Meet the Trainer
At ten years old, Ted trained his first dog — Pearl Bailey, a black Labrador retriever. That relationship set the course of a lifetime. He came to Crawford, Colorado in 1990, and for more than three decades has trained thousands of dogs of every breed from across the U.S., Canada, Alaska, South Africa, Venezuela, and New Zealand.
Ted's approach is rooted in observing body language, building trust through touch and praise, and letting the dog's natural intelligence lead the way. His technique is calm, consistent, and profoundly effective — not just for the dog, but for the whole family.
Cottonwood Ranch spans 322 acres with expansive yards, wildlife habitat, and several ponds — a setting that makes purposeful play inseparable from training.
Learn about Ted's methodsCottonwood's boarding facility is first class, the ranch is absolutely beautiful, and his training is superb.— Tricia Ecclestone, Client
Common Questions
Your dog's food in a resealable container, and a copy of their veterinary shot record. We supply bedding, food and water bowls. Please label all personal items.
Bordetella, current rabies vaccination, distemper, and parvo. A copy from your vet is fine — originals are not required. Your vet may also email records to info@cottonwoodranchandkennel.com.
We recommend a full 30-day training session for best results. Follow-up training after the initial month is available at $50/day.
Yes — visits are welcome with a scheduled appointment. Call ahead to arrange a time with Ted at the ranch.
Loyal clients receive priority booking. New dogs of any age or breed are always welcome.