Alpine Versatile Hunting Dogs

Alpine Versatile Hunting Dogs is a board-and-train facility in Soldotna, Alaska specializing in comprehensive hunting dog preparation. Owner and trainer Mike Harris brings years of experience running dogs through high-level hunt tests including VGP and NAVHDA Utility Test, with expertise across versatile hunting breeds.

Most training takes place April through August, but Alpine occasionally accepts a limited number of dogs September through April during their Idaho guide season. This off-season work provides dogs immense real-world experience on multiple game bird species.

• •Obedience Training — Foundation work in both field and home manners. Covers retrieving, pointing, steadiness, leash walking, crate training, and social behaviors.

• •Upland & Waterfowl Training — Tailored programs for pointing dogs, flushers, and retrievers. Combines fieldwork, obedience, and specialized exercises to develop hunting instincts from rookie to seasoned level.

• •Trained Retrieve Programs — Breed-specific retrieve development for Labs, German Shorthaired Pointers, Vizslas, and other hunting breeds.

• •Big Game Recovery Training — Blood tracking both on and off lead, scent discrimination, and wounded game tracking across varied terrain. Builds the handler-dog bond essential for reliable recovery work.

Mike Harris has honed his skills in Alaska and splits his year between the two states—guiding upland bird hunts in Idaho each late fall before returning to Alaska in spring. His meticulous approach ensures every dog reaches its full potential regardless of starting point.

• •Board and train as well as in-person training options available. Contact for current availability and pricing.