About DD Kennels

Bird dog training on the West End

DD Kennels is a family-run training and boarding kennel on the west end of Billings that specializes in bird dogs. Its 3,200 square foot kennel can host more than 20 dogs, set on over 13 acres of fenced training and exercise ground next to 587 acres of state land. The kennel says it has been training, breeding and working dogs since 1997, and owner Andy Elser has worked as a professional guide and outfitter since 2007. The name honors his grandfather, Duane Donald Elser.

Training and boarding

Gun dog training runs in three stages of about three months each, from puppy development to a finished dog, plus preseason tune-ups. Only 15 dogs are taken at a time, and owners are part of the process. Training costs $1,250 per month including food and kenneling, with a 3-month commitment and training at least 5 days a week. On a case-by-case basis, dogs can join the guide season. Boarding in heated indoor/outdoor kennels costs $30 a day per dog. Started and finished gun dogs are sold through the year.

What to ask

Ask about current openings and timing.