Hunt Test Hobo Podcast

What happens when a retriever trainer’s meticulously customized dog trailer is stolen in the middle of the night? You get one of the wildest episodes yet. In this installment of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, Chris Rud sits down with Andrew Quintana to unpack the incredible true story of how his six-hole Ainley-topper trailer was swiped right out of his front yard. From a suspicious bark in the night, to a high-speed chase through Tennessee backroads, to a helicopter and K-9-assisted manhunt that ended in an arrest—this episode has it all.

Andrew breaks down the timeline, the adrenaline, the split-second decisions, and how sheer luck (and a very vocal dog) brought his trailer home. If you’ve ever trained dogs, towed gear, or left something valuable out for just one night, this story will hit hard. It’s part thriller, part cautionary tale, and entirely unforgettable.

In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, Chris sits down with pro trainer Tyler Brenner for an unfiltered and entertaining conversation covering everything from golden retrievers in the Grand to the surprising history of Labradors as ship dogs. They discuss the instincts behind a great retriever, the nuances of pressure and motivation in training, and what it takes to be the "King of the Fluffies." You'll also hear Tyler's thoughts on what traits make for a dog worth breeding. From thick Labrador skin to the dog that started handling—yes, his name was Peter—this episode blends dog nerd history with hard-earned training wisdom and a healthy dose of laughter.

In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, Chris sits down with Zac Patrick to talk about two unforgettable journeys—one built in the training field, the other across the icy waters of Alaska. Zac shares the story behind his Hall of Fame dog Jett, a yellow male with four Grand passes and a presence that turns heads. Then the conversation shifts to a truly rare opportunity: Zac and his father’s once-in-a-lifetime Emperor goose hunt in the remote Aleutian Islands. From retriever training insights to harlequins, caribou, and dodging sea lions in a zodiac, this one’s got it all. Don’t miss it.

In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, Chris sits down with the one and only Clark Kennington for a deep dive into the Spring Grand, what separates good dogs from great ones, and how to define the elusive "it" factor. Clark opens up about his recent run—passing 11 of 15 dogs—while breaking down challenging series, weather variables, and his mental preparation on test day.

From nerding out on spreadsheets to reflecting on dogs who win when it matters, this episode blends gritty insights, technical strategy, and real passion for the retriever game. Whether you're chasing ribbons, building a breeding program, or just love hearing stories from the top, this one's packed with gold.

In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, host Chris Rudd sits down with Minnesota’s own Jeff Brezee—a true student of the retriever game who’s done it all. From growing up as a bird boy in field trials to earning SRS podium finishes, breeding top-tier Labradors, and mentoring his wife into the sport, Jeff shares decades of insight and stories.

They dive into the evolution of training tactics, the joys and heartbreaks of breeding, and what it really means to build a family-centered retriever program. Plus, you’ll get the behind-the-scenes story of Jeff’s unforgettable second-place finish at the SRS Crown and a sneak peek into his wife Terri’s upcoming breeder’s guidebook. Whether you’re an amateur handler or chasing a ribbon in every venue, this episode is packed with real talk and retriever wisdom.

In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, host Chris Rudd sits down with Jake Stinson and Bill Schaefer for a wide-ranging, honest, and often hilarious conversation about life in the retriever world. From Bill’s unlikely journey with a Lab-Chesapeake cross named Bomber—who became a rare mixed-breed Grand Champion—to Jake’s start training his first dog on crutches in his mom’s backyard, this episode is packed with real stories that prove great dogs can come from humble beginnings.

They also dive deep into pre-Grand training stress, the mental side of competition, what separates good dogs from elite ones, and why consistency and heart often beat fancy pedigrees. And yes, you’ll hear the now-legendary story of how Jake’s ATV saved Chris during a bathroom emergency at his first SRS event.

Whether you're an amateur with one dog or a pro running ten, this episode is full of insight, humor, and heart from two handlers who’ve lived it.

In this special solo episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, I share the story of how Winter earned her QA2 title at our latest Qual. From the long training days and unexpected setbacks to a standout water series that she smoked. I walk you through the entire experience. I also break down five key tips for anyone preparing to run a Qual, especially if you're coming from the hunt test side. Whether you're chasing ribbons or just curious about what it takes to compete at this level, this episode is packed with insight, reflection, and plenty of real talk from the field.

In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, we dive deep into the critical skill of marking with seasoned pro trainer Dan Ihrke. Dan unpacks what makes a great marking dog, from visual focus and memory to factors like terrain, timing, and training setups. With his no-nonsense approach and decades of experience, Dan shares practical strategies for developing marking skills that hold up under pressure. Whether you're running started dogs or fine-tuning finished retrievers, this episode offers valuable insight into the art, science, and mindset behind great marking work.

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.