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...
In this special two-part series, host Chris Rud sits down with the legendary Bill Hillman, one of the most influential figures in the retriever training world. In Part 1, Bill opens up about his unlikely beginnings—from sneaking a $6 dog out of the humane society to pioneering in-home dog training in the 70s. With trademark wisdom and humor, Bill discusses what shaped his philosophy on dog behavior, the critical importance of clarity in training, and the early influences that led to the devel...
In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, host Chris Rud welcomes Jason Pflasterer, a passionate handler from Nebraska whose journey took him from hunting the Platte River to competing on the biggest stages in the retriever world. Jason shares how he was inspired by ESPN’s Great Outdoor Games, found his once-in-a-lifetime dog Cash, and built a championship-caliber team through relentless dedication and a love for the game. From tackling the Grand to placing high in the Crown, Jason talks...
What happens when a retriever trainer’s meticulously customized dog trailer is stolen in the middle of the night? You get one of the wildest episodes yet. In this installment of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, Chris Rud sits down with Andrew Quintana to unpack the incredible true story of how his six-hole Ainley-topper trailer was swiped right out of his front yard. From a suspicious bark in the night, to a high-speed chase through Tennessee backroads, to a helicopter and K-9-assisted manhunt tha...
In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, Chris sits down with pro trainer Tyler Brenner for an unfiltered and entertaining conversation covering everything from golden retrievers in the Grand to the surprising history of Labradors as ship dogs. They discuss the instincts behind a great retriever, the nuances of pressure and motivation in training, and what it takes to be the "King of the Fluffies." You'll also hear Tyler's thoughts on what traits make for a dog worth breeding. From thic...
In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, Chris sits down with Zac Patrick to talk about two unforgettable journeys—one built in the training field, the other across the icy waters of Alaska. Zac shares the story behind his Hall of Fame dog Jett, a yellow male with four Grand passes and a presence that turns heads. Then the conversation shifts to a truly rare opportunity: Zac and his father’s once-in-a-lifetime Emperor goose hunt in the remote Aleutian Islands. From retriever training in...
In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, Chris sits down with the one and only Clark Kennington for a deep dive into the Spring Grand, what separates good dogs from great ones, and how to define the elusive "it" factor. Clark opens up about his recent run—passing 11 of 15 dogs—while breaking down challenging series, weather variables, and his mental preparation on test day. From nerding out on spreadsheets to reflecting on dogs who win when it matters, this episode blends gritty insight...
In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, host Chris Rudd sits down with Minnesota’s own Jeff Brezee—a true student of the retriever game who’s done it all. From growing up as a bird boy in field trials to earning SRS podium finishes, breeding top-tier Labradors, and mentoring his wife into the sport, Jeff shares decades of insight and stories. They dive into the evolution of training tactics, the joys and heartbreaks of breeding, and what it really means to build a family-centered retri...
In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, host Chris Rudd sits down with Jake Stinson and Bill Schaefer for a wide-ranging, honest, and often hilarious conversation about life in the retriever world. From Bill’s unlikely journey with a Lab-Chesapeake cross named Bomber—who became a rare mixed-breed Grand Champion—to Jake’s start training his first dog on crutches in his mom’s backyard, this episode is packed with real stories that prove great dogs can come from humble beginnings. They al...
In this special solo episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, I share the story of how Winter earned her QA2 title at our latest Qual. From the long training days and unexpected setbacks to a standout water series that she smoked. I walk you through the entire experience. I also break down five key tips for anyone preparing to run a Qual, especially if you're coming from the hunt test side. Whether you're chasing ribbons or just curious about what it takes to compete at this level, this episode...