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.
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.
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.
Private Lessons
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One-to-one sessions by the hour, at your pace and on the problems that matter to you.
Group Classes
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A six-week class on Tuesday nights, and Saturday Morning Tune-Ups for dogs who have trained with us.
Stay & Train
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Stay in a cottage at the Grand Hotel Fish Camp while your dog trains, with sessions scheduled around your visit.
Testing & Titles
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Preparation and testing for AKC Canine Good Citizen, Community Canine, Urban CGC, Farm Dog, and Fetch.
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.

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