Episodios

  • Getting Picked Up in Field Trials

    Getting Picked Up in Field Trials
    Jun 25 2025
    So whose dog has gotten picked up in a field trial before?! If you run field trials, it's pretty much inevitable that your dog is going to get picked up at some point, no matter how well trained they are. In this episode, I discuss different ways that can get your dog picked up in AKC field trial gun dog stakes. I also go into detail about Zara's field trial career and explain the times that she has gotten picked up. I've heard from listeners that people like to hear these personal stories and how I've learned from mistakes I've made, so hopefully you find this useful! -- The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by OnX Hunt and Elevate Pet Provisions. We are part of the HerUpland Podcast Network.
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    47 m
  • Hunting Retriever Club (HRC) Hunt Tests

    Hunting Retriever Club (HRC) Hunt Tests
    Jun 11 2025

    In this episode, I’m joined by professional dog trainer Emily Shirey of Horizon Retrievers. Emily brings a wealth of experience running retriever hunt tests with both her German Shorthaired Pointer and her Labrador Retriever. We dive into the Hunting Retriever Club (HRC) test structure, focusing on the Started and Seasoned levels, and break down how these tests work. Emily shares insights on what handlers can expect, how HRC compares to AKC retriever tests, and why the HRC community is such a welcoming space for newcomers. If you’ve ever wondered whether your pointing breed bird dog could participate in HRC hunt tests—the answer is yes, and this episode is for you.

    You can follow Emily on Instagram at @horizonretrievers or @shorthairsandshotguns. Her website is horizonretrievers.com.

    For more information about HRC tests, visit hrc.dog.

    The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by OnX Hunt and Elevate Pet Provisions. We are part of the HerUpland Podcast Network.
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    1 h y 10 m
  • Tales of Accidental Bird Dogs: Vanessa Carmean

    Tales of Accidental Bird Dogs: Vanessa Carmean
    May 28 2025

    In this episode in my series of Tales of Accidental Bird Dogs, I chat with Vanessa Carmean about the unexpected journey that started with her first German Shorthaired Pointer, Camo. After years with Labradors and a family health scare, Vanessa and her husband chose a pointing breed—though she had no idea what she was getting into.

    What began as a plan to do a little dove hunting turned into something much bigger. Vanessa shares how Camo’s first Junior Hunter test revealed his natural talent, sparking her curiosity and passion for pointing dog training. Armed with YouTube and determination, she began training for Senior Hunter. There were lots of ups and downs along the way, and she eventually added more GSPs to the mix and became a breeder, hunt test judge, and field trial judge.

    We talk about her learning curve, her love for the sport, and the value of mentorship. Vanessa’s story is a great reminder that kind words and encouragement can truly shape someone’s path in the bird dog world.

    The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by OnX Hunt and Elevate Pet Provisions. We are part of the HerUpland Podcast Network.
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    1 h y 8 m
  • Winning a National Field Trial Championship

    Winning a National Field Trial Championship
    May 14 2025

    In this week's episode, I interviewed Amanda Gruhn about her incredible win at the German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America's National Amateur Gun Dog Championship this year. Amanda shares the inspiring journey of how she and her dog Penny prepared for this prestigious field trial—from early training techniques to the challenges they overcame along the way. We dive into the strategies that helped make Penny rock-solid in the field, the importance of handling, and how Amanda dealt with her nerves while at the event. Whether you're a seasoned field trialer or just like a good success story, you'll certainly enjoy this episode.

    You can follow Amanda on Instagram @drakeandpenny.

    The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast covers hunting events for pointing breeds. We are sponsored by onX Hunt and Elevate Pet Provisions. We are part of the HerUpland Podcast Network.
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    1 h y 12 m
  • How to Earn AKC Field Champion and Amateur Field Champion Titles

    How to Earn AKC Field Champion and Amateur Field Champion Titles
    Apr 30 2025
    In this episode, we dive deep into the path toward earning AKC Field Champion (FC) and Amateur Field Champion (AFC) titles for pointing breeds. I break down the point schedule in detail, explain retrieving credits, and clarify how juvenile points factor into the journey. Plus, we explore the amateur-to-open crossover points. If you're looking for a quick guide of how to earn AKC field trial titles, this is it! The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast covers hunting events for pointing breeds. We are sponsored by onX Hunt and Elevate Pet Provisions. We are part of the HerUpland Podcast Network.
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    25 m
  • The New American Field Sportsman's Journal

    The New American Field Sportsman's Journal
    Apr 16 2025

    In this episode, I interview Chris Ingram, Marketing Promotions Manager for the United Kennel Club, to talk about the rich legacy of The American Field—a cornerstone publication in the pointing dog world since 1874. We dive into its evolution and the exciting launch of its next chapter: the American Field Sportsman's Journal.

    This newly revamped 100-page printed magazine honors the 151-year tradition while bringing fresh energy to the stories and heritage of hunting and working dogs. From bird dogs and retrievers to hounds and beagles, the AFSJ celebrates the enduring bond between hunters and their canine companions through in-depth articles, beautiful photography, and timeless storytelling. Spoiler alert: I have written an article which will appear in the Summer 2025 issue!

    If you'd like to subscribe to the new American Field Sportsman's Journal, go to journal.americanfield.com. To get in touch with Chris, you can email him at editor@americanfield.com.

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    The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast covers hunting events for pointing breeds. We are sponsored by onX Hunt and Elevate Pet Provisions. We are part of the HerUpland Podcast Network.
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    39 m
  • AKC Senior Hunting Tests for Retrievers

    AKC Senior Hunting Tests for Retrievers
    Apr 2 2025
    Jerry DeRose, AKC retriever hunt test judge, joins me again to talk about the Senior Hunter level. We discuss the differences between Junior and Senior and what kind of training your dog needs in order to pass the SHR level. These are challenging tests but could be a good option for a pointing dog who is experienced with blind retrieves or has run the NAVHDA Invitational. You can get in touch with Jerry on Facebook at Calm Focused K9s – DeRose Kennels. -- The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast covers hunting events for pointing breeds. We are sponsored by onX Hunt and part of the HerUpland Podcast Network.
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    54 m
  • The NAVHDA Gun Dog Test

    The NAVHDA Gun Dog Test
    Mar 19 2025
    Dan Wittman, NAVHDA's Director of Testing, joins me to talk about the new Gun Dog Test, which replaces the Utility Preparatory Test. We discuss how this test is designed to keep NAVHDA members engaged after the Natural Ability level and seems to be a positive change for the organization. Tune in to hear how the Gun Dog Test works and how it's different from the old UPT. To get in touch with Dan, you can email him at testdirector@navhda.org. The revised Aims Programs Test Rules book can be downloaded at navhda.org/aims-programs-test-rules The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast covers hunting events for pointing breeds. Our sponsors are OnX Hunt and Boss Shotshells. We are part of the HerUpland Podcast Network.
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    37 m