The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

  Do you feel nervous when handling your dog in competitions and events? Even after competing for 10 years, I still feel anxious every single time.    In this episode, I dive into the mindset challenges that come with running your dog in tests and trials. I share my own experiences with negative self-talk, including moments when I nearly talked myself out of competing altogether. We explore what pre-performance anxiety feels like, why it's completely normal, and how to work through it so you can show up as the best handler for your dog. I also break down practical strategies—taking care of your physical needs, focusing on constructive thoughts, and setting layered goals—to make things a little easier the next time you handle your dog.   -- The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is part of the HerUpland Podcast Network and sponsored by onX Hunt.

In this episode, I'm joined once again by Cristina Ralph to explore how building engagement and a positive relationship with your dog sets the stage for effective training so they want to work with us. We break down how marker systems create a clear communication language, and we discuss the difference between drive and arousal—plus real-world examples of how these concepts show up in hunting dogs. If you want a dog that wants to work with you, not just goes through the motions, this episode is a must-listen.

You can find Cristina on Instagram at @gretablaiseandwednesdayaddams or @huntinginharmony. You can reach her by email at huntinginharmony@gmail.com. Her kennel is vom Zamora Deutsch Kurzhaars.  

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The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by onX Hunt. We are part of the HerUpland Podcast Network.

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.

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.

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.

  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.

In this episode, I interview Chris Ingram, Marketing Promotions Manager for the United Kennel Club, to talk about the rich legacy of The American Field—a cornerstone publication in the pointing dog world since 1874. We dive into its evolution and the exciting launch of its next chapter: the American Field Sportsman's Journal.

This newly revamped 100-page printed magazine honors the 151-year tradition while bringing fresh energy to the stories and heritage of hunting and working dogs. From bird dogs and retrievers to hounds and beagles, the AFSJ celebrates the enduring bond between hunters and their canine companions through in-depth articles, beautiful photography, and timeless storytelling. Spoiler alert: I have written an article which will appear in the Summer 2025 issue!

If you'd like to subscribe to the new American Field Sportsman's Journal, go to journal.americanfield.com. To get in touch with Chris, you can email him at editor@americanfield.com.

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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.

  Jerry DeRose, AKC retriever hunt test judge, joins me again to talk about the Senior Hunter level. We discuss the differences between Junior and Senior and what kind of training your dog needs in order to pass the SHR level. These are challenging tests but could be a good option for a pointing dog who is experienced with blind retrieves or has run the NAVHDA Invitational.   You can get in touch with Jerry on Facebook at Calm Focused K9s – DeRose Kennels. -- The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast covers hunting events for pointing breeds. We are sponsored by onX Hunt and part of the HerUpland Podcast Network.

Dan Wittman, NAVHDA's Director of Testing, joins me to talk about the new Gun Dog Test, which replaces the Utility Preparatory Test. We discuss how this test is designed to keep NAVHDA members engaged after the Natural Ability level and seems to be a positive change for the organization. Tune in to hear how the Gun Dog Test works and how it's different from the old UPT.   To get in touch with Dan, you can email him at testdirector@navhda.org. The revised Aims Programs Test Rules book can be downloaded at navhda.org/aims-programs-test-rules   The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast covers hunting events for pointing breeds. Our sponsors are OnX Hunt and Boss Shotshells. We are part of the HerUpland Podcast Network.

In the second installment of Tales of Accidental Bird Dogs, we sit down with Cristina Ralph, a passionate dog owner and trainer who's fully embraced the world of bird dogs.

Cristina is the proud owner of three dogs: two German Shorthaired Pointers, Greta and Blaise, and a Deutsch Kurzhaar named Wednesday. Before diving into bird dog training, Cristina spent years working with Siberian Huskies in pulling sports. When she sought a versatile running partner, she found exactly what she was looking for – and then some – with Greta, her first GSP.

Cristina shares her journey from the early days of training Greta for Field Dog Junior tests, where she made plenty of hilarious mistakes, to now, when she's fully immersed in the world of bird dog training. With the addition of Blaise and Wednesday, Cristina's dedication to her bird dogs has only deepened, and she's now gearing up for a new adventure—breeding Wednesday.

You can follow Cristina on Instagram at @gretablaiseandwednesday. Her kennel website is www.vomzamora.ca . She's also putting on introductory field seminars with a friend through her company, Hunting in Harmony. Check them out on Instagram and Facebook @huntinginharmony.

The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by OnX Hunt and Boss Shotshells. We are part of the HerUpland Podcast Network.