In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, Chris Rud sits down with his mentor Dan Ihrke for an in-depth conversation about one of the most critical — and misunderstood — parts of retriever training: force fetch. They break down every step of the process, from fun fetch foundations to solving tough problems like the dreaded "hover" at the line. Dan shares insights on energy control, teaching avoidance learning, and why building success through clear, incremental steps is key. If you’ve ever struggled through force fetch or felt stuck in your training, this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom and practical solutions you can apply right away.

In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, Chris Rud sits down with rising retriever star Leah Spivey to dive deep into her incredible journey through the hunt test and SRS world. From her early days hunting with family to working alongside top trainers like Justin Hergert and Owen Hall, Leah shares how she transitioned from being a casual dog lover to one of the sport’s most consistent amateur handlers.
They talk about her champion dog Kane, learning to "jockey" dogs in high-pressure competitions, the critical importance of reading a dog's body language, and the value of surrounding yourself with a great team. Plus, Leah gives a behind-the-scenes look at balancing a career with her passion for dogs, her growing pack of six retrievers, and why she's passionate about supporting youth handlers in the sport.
Get ready for a candid, inspiring conversation packed with practical tips, a few laughs, and a whole lot of heart.

In this episode of The Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, host Chris Rud welcomes members of his training group — Bill Chittenden, Josh Munson, and a late drop-in from Tyler Brenner — to reflect on their recent HRC Judges Seminar experience and share key takeaways for handlers and aspiring judges alike. From misinterpreted rules to lighthearted debates about touching your dog before calling "ready," it's an insightful look into the rulebook and how it applies in the field.

In the second half, the crew dives into the nitty-gritty of group training — the dynamics, challenges, and unspoken code that make it work. Learn how they structure setups for dogs at different levels, the importance of walkie-talkies (or just good ol' AirPods), and how camaraderie, communication, and a little bit of chaos keep their sessions productive and fun.

Whether you're training solo or thinking of joining a group, this episode’s full of practical wisdom, laughs, and a few stories that'll hit home for any handler.

In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, we sit down with Lenny Gums, an HRC judge, amateur retriever trainer, and the man behind one of the most unique missions in the dog world—finding and rescuing lost dogs using drones. Lenny shares how his passion for retrievers led him into judging and training, but it’s his rescue work that truly sets him apart. Lenny walks us through the emotional highs, technical challenges, and unforgettable stories from the field. This episode is about heart, service, and the incredible bond between people and their dogs.

In this episode of The Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, we sit down with John, the winner of the prestigious Amateur Crown Championship. John takes us through his incredible journey to the top, sharing the challenges, strategies, and key moments that led to his big win. From the dedication it takes to compete at the highest level to the training philosophies that shaped his success, this conversation is packed with valuable insights for anyone passionate about retriever sports. Whether you’re an aspiring competitor or a seasoned handler, you won’t want to miss John’s firsthand account of what it takes to claim a championship title.

The Hunt Test Hobo Podcast is back! In this Season 2 premiere, host Chris Rud sits down with retriever training powerhouse Clark Kennington to talk about the highs and lows of last season, the evolution of retriever training, and what it takes to build a champion. Clark shares insights on balancing pressure and praise, adjusting training methods for different dogs, and the lessons learned from the Master National and The Crown. Plus, a little bourbon talk and some fun waterfowl debates. Tune in for an episode packed with knowledge, stories, and laughs!

In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo podcast, I sit down with five-time Crown Champion Mike Gibson to discuss his favorite drills for preparing retrievers for competition. Mike shares invaluable insights into how he uses creative drills to fine-tune his dogs, focusing on alignment, handling, and the critical importance of communication between handler and dog. Whether you're a seasoned handler or just starting out, this episode is packed with strategies that will take your training to the next level.

Jeff Coats, waterfowl guide and decoy carver, joins the show to share his experiences in the field. Learn how he balances hunting, retriever training, and his craft, as well as tips for the upcoming season.

In this episode, Chris Rud welcomes Bob Owens from the popular Lone Duck Gun Dog Chronicles podcast. They dive into Bob’s journey from starting his podcast to becoming a professional retriever trainer, sharing tips on transitioning dogs from hunt tests to field trials. Bob breaks down the key differences between Master-level hunt tests and the challenges of qualifying field trials, offering practical advice on preparing for national events. They also discuss strategies for peaking your dog’s performance for big competitions, training for real-world factors like long water entries, and managing a dog’s mental game. Whether you're a pro or amateur, this episode delivers valuable insights on taking your retriever training to the next level.

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In this episode, host Chris Rud is joined by retriever trainer Jeremy Legge of Hickory Hills Retrievers for an in-depth discussion on preparing for the Grand. Despite both Chris and Jeremy not running this year's Grand, they break down the essential steps and tips for ensuring your dog is ready for the challenge. From mastering down-the-shore blinds to handling in tough water, managing distractions, and honing gun-swing techniques, the duo shares their personal experiences and practical advice. Whether you're prepping for your first Grand or fine-tuning your dog's performance, this episode is packed with actionable insights for handlers at every level.