In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, Chris Rud and Tyler Brenner sit down for a classic truck-side style conversation about the realities of training dogs as an amateur.

Chris shares the latest adventures of “hobo training”—getting kicked out of training grounds, battling Midwest wind storms, hauling wingers around with an e-bike, and squeezing meaningful work into short solo sessions. If you’ve ever trained alone, improvised setups, or wondered how pros and amateurs approach the game differently, this episode will hit home.

The conversation then shifts into practical training insight as Chris and Tyler break down what they focus on right after hunting season ends. They discuss resetting dogs that have relied too heavily on their nose during hunting season, rebuilding visual marking habits, and why this time of year is perfect for drills, marking concepts, and communication work between handler and dog.

Topics include:

• Resetting dogs after hunting season
• Using white bumpers and visual aids to rebuild marking
• Teaching marking concepts like hip pockets, pinches, and in-line triples
• Why drills are critical during the transition season
• Re-establishing fundamentals with tune-up drills
• Early-season water work and revisiting cheating concepts
• Poison birds and maintaining handling discipline

Whether you're coming out of waterfowl season or gearing up for spring hunt tests, this episode gives you practical ideas for getting your dog back into training mode.

In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, Chris Rud sits down with pro trainer Clark Kennington during pre-Grand training in Paducah to talk about one of the biggest events in the retriever world—the Crown.

Clark breaks down the tests, the strategy behind running blinds under pressure, and what it’s really like walking to the line when everything is on the line. They dive deep into how the Crown is judged, the challenge of separating elite dogs, and how a single cast can decide a championship.

The conversation also turns to one of the most incredible comeback stories in recent retriever competition history—Daisy’s return after nearly dying from a rare fungal infection. From a feeding tube and months of uncertainty to nearly winning the Crown, her story is a reminder of just how tough these dogs really are.

If you’re interested in high-level retriever strategy, competition mindset, and the stories behind the dogs we run, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Season 3 kicks off with a deep dive into what it really takes to build a “Grand Slam” retriever.

In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, Chris sits down with multiple Grand Champion Ron Anderson and training partner Scott Arceneaux to unpack the journey behind one of the most accomplished amateur-trained dogs in the game.

We talk about Rip — a true unicorn — and what it means to build a dog capable of winning across formats:

• Field Trials
• Hunt Tests
• The Grand
• The Crown

This isn’t a “we got lucky” story. It’s a 30-year evolution of selective breeding, intentional development, and a training group built on trust, ego-free collaboration, and high standards.

We break down:

• Why Ron flipped the script and built a field trial foundation first
• The “brick by brick” philosophy of developing a complete dog
• Breeding decisions behind Rip
• The importance of memory, pressure tolerance, and comfort in chaos
• How serious amateurs can compete at the highest levels
• Why intimidation — not mechanics — loses most big events

If you’ve ever dreamed of building a dog that can run the SRS one weekend and a field trial the next… this one is for you.

This is about more than titles.
It’s about building the dog — and the handler — the right way.

In this episode of The Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, Chris sits down with Landon—a trainer who’s breaking boundaries in the retriever world. Landon’s dog, Harker, isn’t your typical Labrador—he’s a German Wirehaired Pointer and the first of his breed to ever run and pass the HRC Grand.

They talk about what it takes to train a versatile hunting dog for retriever tests, how to build teamwork with an independent breed, and the lessons learned from upland and waterfowl hunting across the country. From Carolina quail plantations to running blinds at the Grand, this conversation is full of grit, humor, and inspiration for anyone chasing the next level with their dog.

In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, Chris Rud sits down with Chris Jobman of The Flatlander Kennels Podcast for a deep dive into retriever training. The two discuss the value of crossover training between hunt tests and field trials, why following a structured program matters, and how to avoid confusing your dog with mixed methods. They break down practical drills like ABCDs, wagon wheels, and white coat setups, while also exploring the mental side of dog work—teaching dogs to handle pressure, suction, and stress. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an amateur handler looking to sharpen your program, this conversation is packed with insights to help you build more confident, reliable, and successful retrievers.

In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, Chris is joined by Zac Patrick to recap an amateur pre-Grand training day in Ohio. With dogs and handlers facing setups tougher than a finished test, the group experienced firsthand the challenges of precision, reading dogs, handling suction, and demanding casts. Chris and Zac break down what they saw—from handlers letting dogs drift too far, to key lessons about attacking blinds, to the importance of raising standards when preparing for the Grand. Whether you’re an amateur handler or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with practical insights, funny stories, and honest reflections from the training grounds.

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-changer for amateurs, pros, and breeders alike. If you’ve ever wondered what’s next after your dog smokes the hunt test circuit—or you’ve dreamed of a retriever game with real returns—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

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 first Grand or just curious about what it takes to prepare for the biggest tests in the retriever game, this episode is packed with practical advice and great stories.

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, laughs, and practical advice, this one’s a must-listen for anyone serious about improving their handling and building better retrievers.

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, part education, and a reminder of why we love the retriever game.