On Fish River · Fairhope, Alabama · Est. 1958
Generations of dogs. Generations of trust.
Training, boarding, and care for dogs of every breed, and a few litters a year, on 34 acres of Fish River where Belle Shain has worked dogs since 1958.
Our story · 1939 · 1958 · Today
Three generations on the same ground.
Belle Shain began with a boy growing up at the old Grand Hotel Fish Camp with Chesapeakes and black Labs. His father, who loved horses, had bought the camp in 1939. In 1958, that boy, Rob Leatherbury, founded Belle Shain on the same land, and a few years later his son Frank was following him through the fields at age three.
One generation loved horses, the next loved dogs, and Frank has carried on both.
Belle Shain is a registered historic property in Baldwin County.
The Belle Shain Way
Mischief, Manners, & Fun!™
It’s about the journey for you, your family, and your dog. Frank’s method meets each dog at its own level, with patience and consistent repetition, and teaches dogs and their families together. Every program is backed by a lifetime guarantee.
Belief one
Dogs learn through mischief, manners, and fun.
Belief two
Critical thought leads to continual improvement.
Belief three
They are always dog, perfect only in God’s creation.
01 · Belle Shain Kennels
While you’re away, they’re on the farm.
Boarding in the Woof Suites and the Woof Lodge, daycare with supervised group play, woodland walks, and swimming, and grooming in the Woof Spa, all looked after by the people who train dogs here every day.
02 · Training & Sporting Dogs
From the duck blind to the living room.
Frank Leatherbury is an AKC Master Judge and trainer with more than forty years in the field, from retrievers to family dogs. His method, Mischief, Manners, & Fun!™, teaches dogs and their families together, from hunting retrievers to the family dog on the sofa, and every program is backed by a lifetime guarantee.
“Now my dog has learned to come when called, whether there is a leash on her or not.”
Grace Harris · Training client
Giving back · Project Retrieving Hope
Helping rescued dogs find their families.
Project Retrieving Hope is our 501(c)(3) nonprofit for dogs who need a second start. Adopt one of the dogs, or sponsor one until the right family comes along.
Sat · Nov 14 · 12:00 to 3:00
Golden Fest
A gathering for Golden Retrievers and their families on the farm. Bring your Golden and come spend the afternoon on Fish River.
All through the year
More on the calendar
Snake aversion clinics, Saturday tune-ups, and cookouts at the Woof Bar. Call or text 251-928-5719 to hear about the next one.
Visit Belle Shain
Come on in.
Board, train, visit, or just ask. We’re on Fish River, just outside Fairhope, and appointments are always required, so call, text, or write before you come.
Monday to Friday, 7 to 12 and 2 to 5:30 · Saturday, 8 to 12 · Sunday, 5 to 5:30
Reserve