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Description
Welcome to the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, your place for truck side chats and deep insights into the retriever game await.
Hosted by Chris Rud, a fellow retriever enthusiast and student of the game, this podcast is your go-to resource whether you're just dipping your toes into the retriever world or you're a seasoned handler looking to sharpen your skills.
Join us each week as we delve into the intricacies of retriever training, offering a blend of tips, tricks, and wisdom from both amateur enthusiasts and seasoned professionals. From tales of triumph to strategies for overcoming challenges, we explore it all, with a shared passion for forging unbreakable bonds with our loyal companions.
So grab your coffee, hop into the truck, and let's embark on this retriever adventure together. This is the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, and I'm Chris Rud. Let's dive in.
56 Episodes
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This one’s a deep dive into the beginning of the retriever journey — before force fetch, before handling… before most people even think about training. Chris sits down with Grace Williams to talk about whelping, puppy development, and what actually creates a solid dog before it ever hits the training field. From “finger painters” to kennel habits, potty training systems, and puppy socialization, Grace breaks down the small details that separate easy dogs from problem dogs. They also get into:...
JD Babb joins the podcast to break down one of the most interesting transitions in the retriever game—going from hunt tests to field trials. We dig into what it actually takes to make that jump, the mistakes that will humble you fast, and why JD had to completely rethink how he trains dogs. From letting young dogs develop over time to handling massive all-age blinds, this episode is packed with real insight for anyone serious about improving. JD also shares his journey—from throwing birds for...
In Part 2 of Chris’s conversation with trainer Marc Patton, the discussion dives deeper into the mechanics behind developing elite marking dogs and building cleaner fundamentals in retrievers. Marc breaks down how he approaches Derby dogs, why he believes in simplifying marking setups, and how repetition with single guns can create the mental pictures young dogs rely on later in competition. The conversation also explores how dogs process marking concepts like angle backs, water entries, and ...
In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, Chris sits down with professional trainer Marc Patton of Green River Retrievers to dive deep into some innovative training concepts that are gaining attention in the retriever world. Marc shares his unique journey into the dog world—including attending a “dog college,” working with sled dogs, and eventually building his retriever training program. Along the way, he developed a philosophy that blends traditional Rex Carr fundamentals with a highly...
In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, Chris Rud and Tyler Brenner sit down for a classic truck-side style conversation about the realities of training dogs as an amateur. Chris shares the latest adventures of “hobo training”—getting kicked out of training grounds, battling Midwest wind storms, hauling wingers around with an e-bike, and squeezing meaningful work into short solo sessions. If you’ve ever trained alone, improvised setups, or wondered how pros and amateurs approach the ga...
Season 3 kicks off with a deep dive into what it really takes to build a “Grand Slam” retriever. In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, Chris sits down with multiple Grand Champion Ron Anderson and training partner Scott Arceneaux to unpack the journey behind one of the most accomplished amateur-trained dogs in the game. We talk about Rip — a true unicorn — and what it means to build a dog capable of winning across formats: Field TrialsHunt TestsThe GrandThe CrownThis isn’t a “we got ...
In this episode of The Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, Chris sits down with Landon—a trainer who’s breaking boundaries in the retriever world. Landon’s dog, Harker, isn’t your typical Labrador—he’s a German Wirehaired Pointer and the first of his breed to ever run and pass the HRC Grand. They talk about what it takes to train a versatile hunting dog for retriever tests, how to build teamwork with an independent breed, and the lessons learned from upland and waterfowl hunting across the country. From ...
In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, Chris Rud sits down with Chris Jobman of The Flatlander Kennels Podcast for a deep dive into retriever training. The two discuss the value of crossover training between hunt tests and field trials, why following a structured program matters, and how to avoid confusing your dog with mixed methods. They break down practical drills like ABCDs, wagon wheels, and white coat setups, while also exploring the mental side of dog work—teaching dogs to hand...
In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, Chris is joined by Zac Patrick to recap an amateur pre-Grand training day in Ohio. With dogs and handlers facing setups tougher than a finished test, the group experienced firsthand the challenges of precision, reading dogs, handling suction, and demanding casts. Chris and Zac break down what they saw—from handlers letting dogs drift too far, to key lessons about attacking blinds, to the importance of raising standards when preparing for the Gran...
In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, Chris sits down with Justin Smith and Justin Jackson to introduce an exciting new game in the retriever world: Hunting Retriever Trials (HRT). Born out of a desire to give handlers and owners a new challenge beyond traditional hunt tests, HRT offers structured classes, fair competition, and even cash payouts. The conversation dives into the “why” behind this new format, how it’s structured, what the payouts look like, and why it could be a game-c...
In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, Chris sits down with seasoned handler Mike Schwan to talk all things Grand. From early mistakes to eventually stacking up seven Grand passes, Mike shares the lessons, strategies, and mindset shifts that helped him succeed at the biggest stage in hunt testing. Chris and Mike dig into pre-Grand training, handling blinds under pressure, dog preparation, and the value of traveling with pros and training groups. Whether you’re gearing up for your firs...
In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, Chris sits down with Dan Ihrke and Tyler Brenner at Gun Dog Success to talk about the start of hunting season and the lessons learned from recent hunt tests. From “rip and send” mistakes to the importance of line manners, they break down the small details that make a big difference at the line. The conversation dives into steadiness, when to let your dog choose a mark, and how foundations prevent long-term problems. Packed with real stories, laug...
In this powerful episode, Chris sits down with Glen Scarborough, President of the Hunting Retriever Club, to talk about his incredible journey in the retriever world. Glen shares how a near-fatal hunting accident changed his life, his path into HRC, and how the sport gave him purpose and community. From the growth of youth and women’s programs to keeping the HRC family-friendly and affordable, Glen offers insight into where the organization is headed. This conversation is part inspiration, pa...
In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, Chris sits down with Marty Roberts of Sporting Life Kennels to dive deep into what makes a truly great breeding program. From his first Labrador “Jim Bob” to building a respected kennel operation, Marty shares how he selects for drive, style, trainability, and that all-important off switch. They explore the nuances of genetics, and why Marty’s unique “care program” ensures every dog gets both a hunting life and a family home. If you’re curious ab...
Chris Rud welcomes back pro trainer Dan Ihrke to announce the launch of RetrieverFoundations.com—featuring the brand-new Puppy Foundations course. They dive deep into why a rock-solid start between 2–6 months can set your retriever up for lifelong success in hunt tests, the field, and at home. From off-lead obedience to marking, water work, and developing a pup that loves to learn, this is the blueprint Dan has refined over decades. Plus, special launch pricing and free video previews so you ...
In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, Chris sits down with one of the most influential figures in the retriever world—Pat Burns. From his early days training and learning under Rex Carr, to running elite field trial dogs and coaching amateurs across the country, Pat shares the stories, philosophies, and lessons that have shaped his legendary career. Hear about his time working with iconic dogs like Cherokee Rose, his detour into sled dogs and performance nutrition in Alaska, and why ...
In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, host Chris Rud sits down with Purina's Ray Voigt—a seasoned pro in the retriever world and former right-hand man to Mike Lardy—for a wide-ranging Q&A that covers everything from training philosophies to field trial memories. They talk through the “Double T” controversy, what separates a good dog from a great one, and how to build confidence on long marks. Ray also shares insights into transitioning dogs to cold blinds, his favorite grounds (s...
In this special bonus episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, Chris Rud opens up about the whirlwind experience of Winter’s third breeding. From stressful late-night vet visits and unexpected complications to the relief of a healthy litter, this is a raw and honest look at what really goes into producing competitive retrievers. Chris also drops an exciting announcement about a Pre-Grand Amateur Training Days happening this September in Ohio. Whether you’re considering breeding or looking to sh...
In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, Chris sits down with amateur retriever legend Ron Anderson. With 30 years in the game, Ron shares his journey from a farm in Louisiana to training multi-crowned champions like Smoke and Rip. They talk about what it takes to succeed in SRS, hunt tests, and field trials while balancing a day job and family. Ron reflects on building dogs from the ground up, the difference between male and female temperaments, and how hybrid setups keep his training ...
In Part 2 of our conversation with legendary trainer Bill Hillman, we dive deeper into the philosophy and technical wisdom behind creating confident, decision-making retrievers. Bill discusses his approach to handling on marks—especially water cheats—and the importance of letting dogs commit to a mistake before correcting it. We explore topics like building experience through repetition, why orange bumpers can teach better than white, and how great dogs are made by helping them make great cho...
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