Training · On Fish River since 1958

Every dog learns through mischief, manners, and fun.

Training for dogs of every breed, from hunting retrievers to the family dog on the sofa. Frank Leatherbury and the Belle Shain trainers teach dogs and their families together, and every program is backed by a lifetime guarantee.

See the programs

Ask about training

Mischief, Manners, & Fun!™

What we believe

Belief one

Dogs learn through mischief, manners, and fun.

We meet each dog at its own level, with patience and consistent repetition, so the lessons hold for life.

Belief two

Critical thought leads to continual improvement.

Belief three

They are always dog, perfect only in God’s creation.

Ways to train with us

Programs

Three yellow Labs at the kennel gate
A Golden Retriever at play during a training session
A young handler with his dog

Board & Train

Call or text for length and rates
Your dog lives and trains at Belle Shain, then we teach you what your dog has learned so it carries on at home.

Ask about Board & Train

Private Lessons

Call or text for rates
One-to-one sessions by the hour, at your pace and on the problems that matter to you.

Book a lesson

Group Classes

Call or text for dates and rates
A six-week class on Tuesday nights, and Saturday Morning Tune-Ups for dogs who have trained with us.

Ask about the next class

The cottage at the Grand Hotel Fish Camp
A retriever delivering from the water
Frank and Rob Leatherbury with their retrievers at a polo match

Stay & Train

Call or text for rates
Stay in a cottage at the Grand Hotel Fish Camp while your dog trains, with sessions scheduled around your visit.

About the Fish Camp

Sporting Dogs

Call or text for programs and rates
Hunting retrievers, hunt tests, field trials, and AKC performance, the work Belle Shain was founded on.

Talk to Frank

Testing & Titles

Call or text for test dates
Preparation and testing for AKC Canine Good Citizen, Community Canine, Urban CGC, Farm Dog, and Fetch.

Ask about the next test

The lifetime guarantee

Our training doesn’t end when the program does.

Every Belle Shain training program is backed by a lifetime guarantee. If you have questions down the road, call us.

Frank Leatherbury

  • AKC Master Judge and trainer, more than forty years and several thousand dogs
  • Past President, Lower Alabama Hunting Retriever Club
  • Past President, Mobile Amateur Retriever Club
  • Board Member, Spinone Club of America
  • AKC National Detection Dog Task Force
  • AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator · Farm Dog Certified Judge · Fetch Judge

“Now my dog has learned to come when called, whether there is a leash on her or not.”

Grace Harris · Training client

Train at home

Lessons from Frank, wherever you are.

Short video lessons on the commands we teach every dog at Belle Shain: SIT, HEEL, PLACE, HERE, NO, and OFF, starting with Command Authority.

Browse the courses    Members log in

The Belle Shain Journal: Dogs, Stories & Life Along Fish River. Est. 1958

Stories from Fish River, in your inbox each week.