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 beer money in college to building Bu-Yah Retrievers into one of the top open kennels in the country.

If you’ve ever wondered what separates hunt test success from field trial success… this is it.

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 gun memory.

Chris and Marc also spend time unpacking Force to Pile, including a unique training tool Marc uses—a training chute system that creates clearer, more black-and-white decisions for dogs during early blind work.

Other topics include:

• Why many marking problems are actually training picture problems
• The role of bumper size and object selection in hold conditioning
• Preventing “shopping” in a pile
• How environmental pressure affects casting and compliance
• Why simplifying drills often produces better long-term results

If you're working through Derby training, force to pile, or early blind work, this episode offers practical ideas that both amateur and professional trainers can apply immediately.

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 reward-driven approach.

The conversation explores topics like:

• Creating dogs that love the work
• Using high-value rewards to build motivation
• Balancing pressure with praise
• The importance of timing, bird help, and clear answers
• How training setups should make success obvious for the dog

Marc also explains how sled dog conditioning and other working dog disciplines influenced how he thinks about drive, endurance, and training attitude.

If you're interested in building a dog that attacks the work with confidence and enthusiasm, this episode is packed with insights that will make you rethink how reward, pressure, and learning all fit together in retriever training.