Alabama Waterfowl Dogs,
Built for the Blind.
Professional gundog training on our working grounds in Fosters, AL — from puppy obedience to 300-yard blinds. Calm in the blind, sharp on the cast, ready for opening day.
Call 205-233-2325 · Open 7 days a week
14+ Years
Of expert training
100s
Of dogs placed in the blind
7 Days
A week — morning & evening
Fosters, AL
Working grounds & kennels
Our Programs
Pick the right path for your dog.
Three structured programs — from foundation obedience to expert-level field work. Every dog gets a tailored plan.
The Basic Gundog
Sit. See the fall. Retrieve.
The foundation every waterfowl dog needs. Calm in the blind, steady to the shot, and reliable on every retrieve.
- Formal Obedience
- Force Fetch
- Collar Conditioning
- Steady to Shot
- Retrieving Dead & Alive Birds
- Marking Singles & Simple Doubles
Duration
5–6 months
Puppies accepted from 6 months
Intermediate Hunting Dog
Sharper control. Smarter dog.
Build on the basics with hand signals, increased biddability, and the polish that turns a good retriever into a real partner.
- All Basic Gundog Skills
- Hand Signal Control
- Increased Biddability
- Multiple Marks
- Diversion Drills
Duration
8–12 months
Puppies accepted from 6 months
Advanced Gundog Program
Peak field performance.
For dogs ready to run long blinds, mark complex falls, and perform at the highest level — season after season.
- Running Blinds 300+ Yards
- Expert Marking on Any Fall
- High-Level Retrieving Skills
- Cast Refinement
- Cold Water Conditioning
Duration
12+ months
Puppies accepted from 6 months
Why Hillside
Built on patience, fed by passion.
This isn't a side hustle. It's a way of life — and your dog feels the difference.
Field-Tested Methods
Decades of waterfowl hunting experience baked into every drill. We train dogs for the blind — not the show ring.
Seven Days a Week
Your dog trains every morning and evening — no off days, no boarding-only weekends. Consistency is the work.
Tailored to Your Dog
No assembly-line drills. We meet your dog where they are and build a calm, confident retriever step by step.
How It Works
From phone call to opening day.
Consult
Quick call to talk about your dog, your hunting style, and the right program fit.
Enroll
Tour the kennel, sign the paperwork, set the start date. Easy and unhurried.
Train
Daily structured work, 7 days a week, with regular owner updates and visits welcome.
Hunt
Bring your dog home steady, focused, and dialed in. Then enjoy the season.
From the Field
What our clients say.
“Hillside Kennels transformed my retriever into a confident field partner. Their patience and expertise are unmatched.”
Sarah D.
Tuscaloosa, AL
“Fantastic training program. My puppy learned obedience and field skills faster than I ever imagined.”
Mark T.
Birmingham, AL
“Highly recommend Hillside Kennels for anyone serious about hunting dog training. Top-notch service and results.”
Ricky H.
Demopolis, AL
Common Questions
Quick answers.
What age should my dog start gundog training?
Most dogs start formal training around 6 months old, once they have their adult teeth. Before that, focus on socialization, basic obedience, and building retrieving desire. If your pup is older, no problem — we train started and finished dogs of all ages.
How long does waterfowl gundog training take?
Our Basic Gundog program runs 5 to 6 months, the Intermediate Hunting Dog program 8 to 12 months, and the Advanced Gundog program 12 months or more. The right length depends on your dog and what you want out of the season — we map that together on the first call.
Is this a board-and-train program?
Yes. Your dog lives at our kennel in Fosters, Alabama in clean, climate-controlled runs with structured rest, daily yard time, and training every morning and evening, 7 days a week. We welcome visits — call ahead and come walk the grounds.
Ready When You Are
Start your dog's training today.
Spots fill quickly — especially before the season. A quick call gets the conversation started.