Episodios

  • Teaching Steadiness to Your Pointing Dog

    Teaching Steadiness to Your Pointing Dog
    Aug 12 2025

    Steadiness can be one of the most challenging things to teach to your pointing dog. In this episode, I talk about the general process of teaching steadiness, regardless of the method you are using. I discuss common mistakes I see people making and those I was guilty of with Zara. I also go into detail about the process I'm using to teach Lanka to be steady on birds.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    NAVHDA Aims, Programs, Test Rules booklet, page 44 for the steadiness diagram: https://www.navhda.org/aims-programs-test-rules/

    My upcoming group coaching program: https://accidentalbirddog.com/group-coaching/

    My online course: https://accidentalbirddog.learnworlds.com/

    --

    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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    59 m
  • Readiness for Testing and Trialing

    Readiness for Testing and Trialing
    Jul 30 2025
    How do you figure out if your dog is ready to enter a hunt test or field trial? In this episode, I break down what readiness really means. From evaluating your dog’s skills to assessing your own confidence and long-term goals, I’ll walk you through key questions to ask yourself before signing up. I also share how time constraints and mental preparedness play a role in deciding when to enter—or hold back. I hope you find this episode useful whether you are entering your very first event or an advanced level test or trial.

    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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    33 m
  • Full Time RV Life with Kelli Aitken-Thompson

    Full Time RV Life with Kelli Aitken-Thompson
    Jul 9 2025
    In this episode, I sit down with Kelli—an Irish Setter breeder, handler, and passionate field trialer who has fully embraced the bird dog lifestyle. What sets Kelli apart is the adventurous path she and her husband have chosen: living full-time in their RV as they travel the country training, hunting, and competing with their dogs. We talk about how she first got involved with Irish Setters, what sparked her interest in field trials, and what it took to transition to life on the road. Kelli shares a refreshing perspective on what it means to go “all in” on your passion—and how that decision has shaped her life with her dogs. You can visit Kelli's website at https://www.quantonas.com, follow her on Instagram at @quantonas_irish, or find her on Facebook at Kelli Aitken-Thompson. Her husband, Clayton's, YouTube channel is @RedbeardOutdoors-IrishSetters. -- 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 3 m
  • 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