The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast

  I interviewed UFTA judge Brian Cooney about United Field Trialers Association field trials. We discussed the different divisions, the rules, and why he likes this field trial game over others.   You can find Brian on Instagram @wingshotandfall. For more information about UFTA, check out their website at ufta-online.com. The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by OnX Hunt, Boss Shotshells, and Toyota. We are part of the HerUpland Podcast Network. You can find me on the following platforms: Instagram | Facebook | Website 

In this episode, I talk about running multiple kinds of events with your pointing dog. Some people say you can't run a field trial dog in hunt tests or NAVHDA and vice versa, but that's not always true. If you're going to transition between different types of events, what are some considerations to think about in training? How do you keep the rules straight? The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by OnX Hunt, Boss Shotshells, and Toyota. We are part of the HerUpland Podcast Network. You can find me on the following platforms: Instagram | Facebook | Website 

This is the final part of a three-part series discussing the Jagdgebrauchshundverband (JGHV) testing system. I interviewed Cortney Schaefer about the VGP test, which is the finished versatile hunting dog test. This is a two-day test that encompasses 20+ test subjects and is typically run by dogs between 18 and 36 months of age. Cortney has been a JGHV judge since 2013 and currently owns and breeds Deutsch Drahthaars. You can reach Cortney on Instagram or via her website.

This is part two of a three-part series discussing the Jagdgebrauchshundverband (JGHV) testing system. I interviewed Tanya Gates about the HZP test, which is the fall advanced natural ability test intended for dogs approximately 10 to 24 months. The HZP involves more training than the VJP but is not quite as involved as the finished dog VGP test. Tanya has an interesting perspective since she owns a breed that is less commonly seen in JGHV testing (Hungarian Wirehaired Vizslas). She's also participated in the HZP in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. You can reach Tanya on Facebook, Instagram, or via her website. The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by OnX Hunt, Boss Shotshells, and Toyota. We are part of the HerUpland Podcast Network. You can find me on the following platforms: Instagram | Facebook | Website 

This episode kicks off a three-part series diving into the Jagdgebrauchshundverband (JGHV) testing system, which is often referred to as the "German testing" system in the U.S. I interviewed Jennifer Wapenski about the VJP test, which is the lowest level intended for puppies approximately 6 to 18 months. We discussed the different components of the test as well as some tips to have a successful test day. You can reach Jennifer by email, on Instagram, or via her website. The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by OnX Hunt, Boss Shotshells, and Toyota. We are part of the HerUpland Podcast Network. You can find me on the following platforms: Instagram | Facebook | Website 

This week, I had a conversation with Jeremy Cormier of V3 Gun Dogs & Canine Academy in Lebanon, CT. Jeremy is a professional trainer who trains and runs bird dogs in hunt tests and field trials. We discussed the differences between handling your dog yourself or using a professional. Both can be a good option depending on your experience, the time you have, and your goals. Check out Jeremy and V3 Gun Dogs on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube!  The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by OnX Hunt, Boss Shotshells, and Toyota. We are part of the HerUpland Podcast Network. You can find me on the following platforms: Instagram | Facebook | Website 

Recently, I attended an AKC field trial with my vizsla, Zara. In this episode, I go into detail about each of her runs so you can get a sense of the variety of situations that can happen when you are running your dog and how your decision-making can impact the outcome. There were good things, bad things, and thankfully, no ugly things – but a crazy situation with a bird I haven't seen before. The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by OnX Hunt, Boss Shotshells, and Toyota. We are part of the HerUpland Podcast Network. You can find me on the following platforms: Instagram | Facebook | Website 

This episode continues my conversation with Laura Miller about AFTCA field trials. We cover how to earn titles, the community aspect of the trials, and technicalities involving relocating a dog on point and retrieving. You can reach out to Laura on Facebook through her CH Lundy's Red Bull for American Field Hall of Fame page. For more information on the AFTCA guidelines, check out the Standards to Field Trial Procedure, Judicial Practice, Handler and Bird Dog Performance.  The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by OnX Hunt, Boss Shotshells, and Toyota. We are part of the HerUpland Podcast Network. You can find me on the following platforms: Instagram | Facebook | Website 

This episode covers AFTCA field trials, which are the amateur side of American Field (now owned by United Kennel Club). This is part one of my conversation with Laura Miller, an accomplished field trial competitor and judge. We discuss the different levels including Puppy, Derby, Shooting Dog, and All-Age and some key differences from AKC trials.  You can reach out to Laura on Facebook through her CH Lundy's Red Bull for American Field Hall of Fame page. For more information on the AFTCA guidelines, check out the Standards to Field Trial Procedure, Judicial Practice, Handler and Bird Dog Performance.  The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by OnX Hunt, Boss Shotshells, and Toyota. We are part of the HerUpland Podcast Network. You can find me on the following platforms: Instagram | Facebook | Website 

I'm doing someting a little different for my last episode of 2023. I collected questions from listeners and I'm answering them in this episode. How do I go about training backing? What are some things you can do to help your dog in a hunt test? Will I be getting another bird dog in the future? All of these are answered, and more!  The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by OnX Hunt, Boss Shotshells, and Toyota. We are part of the HerUpland Podcast Network. You can find me on the following platforms: Instagram | Facebook | Website 

This week I'm discussing what it's like when you spend a season or several months of the year testing or trialing. How much travel is involved? What are the costs? What does a typical day look like at an event? The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by OnX Hunt, Boss Shotshells, and Toyota. We are part of the HerUpland Podcast Network. You can find me on the following platforms: Instagram | Facebook | Website 

This episode dives into bird dog events on a national scale, such as the NAVHDA Invitational and the many national field trials. I discuss how they are different than local events and some considerations to think about if you want to enter one of them. The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by OnX Hunt, Boss Shotshells, and Toyota. We are part of the HerUpland Podcast Network. You can find me on the following platforms: Instagram | Facebook | Website 

This episode explains National Shoot to Retrieve Association (NSTRA) field trials. I interviewed Matthew Bass, a NSTRA judge and owner of Stacked Up Kennels, who has been involved in the NSTRA world since he was young child. We discuss how NSTRA trials are set up, how they are scored, and what your dog needs to do to earn a placement. The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by OnX Hunt, Boss Shotshells, and Toyota. We are part of the HerUpland family of podcasts. You can find me on the following platforms: Instagram | Facebook | Website 

In this episode, I interview Doug Ljungren, the Executive Vice President of Sports and Events at AKC. Doug and I talk about a brand-new event called the Master Hunter Excellent Test (MHX). This standards-based test is open to dogs who already have their Master Hunter titles. The rules and judging categories are a little different than the MH test and more emphasis is placed on the hunting ability of the dog.  This test is open for entry until October 26, 2023 at 8PM EST. If you'd like to enter, here is the link to the premium as well as the direct link to the entry form.  The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by OnX Hunt, Boss Shotshells, and Toyota. We are part of the HerUpland family of podcasts. You can find me on the following platforms: Instagram | Facebook | Website 

Finding live upland birds as well as ducks can be a challenge, especially if bird growers in your area don't raise them year round. I discuss some alternatives to find birds for training, as well as some options if you aren't able to store birds long-term where you live.  The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by OnX Hunt, Boss Shotshells, and Toyota. We are part of the HerUpland family of podcasts. You can find me on the following platforms: Instagram | Facebook | Website 

Are you struggling to find a place to train your bird dog for hunting? It can be hard to find a suitable place. Before I got involved in NAVHDA in 2017, I spent a solid year trying to find a place to train Zara for hunting. This involved copious internet searches, Facebook messages, some emails, a few phone calls, and some site visits. It took me two more years to find a place I could access more frequently than once a month. This episode discusses various options to check out when looking for a place to train. The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by OnX Hunt, Boss Shotshells, and Toyota. We are part of the HerUpland family of podcasts. You can find me on the following platforms: Instagram | Facebook | Website 

This episode is not about one specific organization. Instead, I discuss the differences between the beginner/puppy level events and the intermediate/advanced levels. I go into the main components that you need to work on in order to be successful at the upper levels. The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by OnX Hunt, Boss Shotshells, and Toyota! We are part of the HerUpland family of podcasts. You can find me on the following platforms: Instagram | Facebook | Website 

This is part two of my conversation with Grayson Guyer about United Kennel Club (UKC) field trials. In this episode, we get into the details about the Gun and Open classes: how they are judged, what titles you can earn, and the differences between the two. To get in contact with Grayson, visit his website or check him out on Instagram. He also hosts his own podcast, the Companion Gun Dog podcast. The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by OnX Hunt and Boss Shotshells. Our newest sponsor is Toyota! We are part of the HerUpland family of podcasts. You can find me on the following platforms: Instagram | Facebook | Website 

This episode features my first guest: Grayson Guyer, an experienced bird dog trainer who runs Lost Highway Kennels. Grayson and I discuss United Kennel Club (UKC) field trials and he provides some history about the beginning of the program. We also get into the Natural Ability (TAN) and Water Retrieve (WRT) tests. To get in contact with Grayson, visit his website or check him out on Instagram. He also hosts his own podcast, the Companion Gun Dog podcast. The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by OnX Hunt and Boss Shotshells. Our newest sponsor is Toyota! We are part of the HerUpland family of podcasts. You can find me on the following platforms: Instagram | Facebook | Website 

This episode details ways to help you prepare for the NAVHDA Invitational and set you and your dog up for success. I discuss tips for the field and water sections as well as mentally preparing for this big event! The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by OnX Hunt and Boss Shotshells. We are part of the HerUpland family of podcasts. You can find me on the following platforms: Instagram | Facebook | Website