The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

If you're participate in hunting events long enough with your bird dog, "failure" is inevitable – meaning, not passing a test, earning a placement, or failing to meet your expectations. In this episode, I talk about some failures I've experienced and how I dealt with them. Realizing how to learn from failure and using it to make you and your dog better is important.

Hopefully this episode will provide some useful tips for the next time you're dealing with some disappointment after competing with your dog.

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

This episode is part 2 going into detail about the Versatile Hunting Dog Federation (VHDF). Kyle Hough chats with me about the three levels of testing and what is required at each level. While the tests have similarities to the NAVHDA and JGHV systems, there are distinct differences.   You can contact Kyle through the Northeast chapter of the VHDF. Visit https://northeastvhdf.wildapricot.org/

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

You can find me on the following platforms:

Instagram | Facebook | Website 

In this episode, I talk about running multiple kinds of events with your pointing dog. Some people say you can't run a field trial dog in hunt tests or NAVHDA and vice versa, but that's not always true. If you're going to transition between different types of events, what are some considerations to think about in training? How do you keep the rules straight?

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

You can find me on the following platforms:

Instagram | Facebook | Website 

This is the final part of a three-part series discussing the Jagdgebrauchshundverband (JGHV) testing system. I interviewed Cortney Schaefer about the VGP test, which is the finished versatile hunting dog test. This is a two-day test that encompasses 20+ test subjects and is typically run by dogs between 18 and 36 months of age. Cortney has been a JGHV judge since 2013 and currently owns and breeds Deutsch Drahthaars.

You can reach Cortney on Instagram or via her website.

This is part two of a three-part series discussing the Jagdgebrauchshundverband (JGHV) testing system. I interviewed Tanya Gates about the HZP test, which is the fall advanced natural ability test intended for dogs approximately 10 to 24 months. The HZP involves more training than the VJP but is not quite as involved as the finished dog VGP test. Tanya has an interesting perspective since she owns a breed that is less commonly seen in JGHV testing (Hungarian Wirehaired Vizslas). She's also participated in the HZP in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

You can reach Tanya on Facebook, Instagram, or via her website.

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

You can find me on the following platforms:

Instagram | Facebook | Website 

This episode kicks off a three-part series diving into the Jagdgebrauchshundverband (JGHV) testing system, which is often referred to as the "German testing" system in the U.S. I interviewed Jennifer Wapenski about the VJP test, which is the lowest level intended for puppies approximately 6 to 18 months. We discussed the different components of the test as well as some tips to have a successful test day.

You can reach Jennifer by email, on Instagram, or via her website.

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

You can find me on the following platforms:

Instagram | Facebook | Website 

This week, I had a conversation with Jeremy Cormier of V3 Gun Dogs & Canine Academy in Lebanon, CT. Jeremy is a professional trainer who trains and runs bird dogs in hunt tests and field trials. We discussed the differences between handling your dog yourself or using a professional. Both can be a good option depending on your experience, the time you have, and your goals.

Check out Jeremy and V3 Gun Dogs on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube! 

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

You can find me on the following platforms:

Instagram | Facebook | Website 

Recently, I attended an AKC field trial with my vizsla, Zara. In this episode, I go into detail about each of her runs so you can get a sense of the variety of situations that can happen when you are running your dog and how your decision-making can impact the outcome. There were good things, bad things, and thankfully, no ugly things – but a crazy situation with a bird I haven't seen before.

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

You can find me on the following platforms:

Instagram | Facebook | Website 

This episode continues my conversation with Laura Miller about AFTCA field trials. We cover how to earn titles, the community aspect of the trials, and technicalities involving relocating a dog on point and retrieving.

You can reach out to Laura on Facebook through her CH Lundy's Red Bull for American Field Hall of Fame page.

For more information on the AFTCA guidelines, check out the Standards to Field Trial Procedure, Judicial Practice, Handler and Bird Dog Performance. 

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

You can find me on the following platforms:

Instagram | Facebook | Website 

This episode covers AFTCA field trials, which are the amateur side of American Field (now owned by United Kennel Club). This is part one of my conversation with Laura Miller, an accomplished field trial competitor and judge. We discuss the different levels including Puppy, Derby, Shooting Dog, and All-Age and some key differences from AKC trials. 

You can reach out to Laura on Facebook through her CH Lundy's Red Bull for American Field Hall of Fame page.

For more information on the AFTCA guidelines, check out the Standards to Field Trial Procedure, Judicial Practice, Handler and Bird Dog Performance. 

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

You can find me on the following platforms:

Instagram | Facebook | Website