The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast

What do bird dog people do when it's too hot for much of anything and there's no bird dog events? Keep training!

In this episode, Jessica Predom and I bring you three updates we recorded throughout the summer, in May, July, and the end of August, to talk about what we've been working on with our dogs, what's gone well, and what's challenged us along the way.

We discuss retrieve training, heeling, steadiness, and conformation. One of the interesting discoveries this summer was how much stacking for the conformation ring can actually complement steadiness training. I've also been working on retrieving and heeling with Lanka, with plenty of progress (and a few bumps in the road) along the way.

This episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how our training evolved over several months and how we adjusted as we went. If you're wondering what you can work on with your bird dog when it's too hot to run them outside, this episode has plenty of ideas.

You can find Jessica on Instagram at @ridge_thevizsla.

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The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is part of the HerUpland Podcast Network.

Ashley talks with me about her journey from originally getting a Braque Francais for agility to becoming fully immersed in the bird dog world. Like many of us, she didn't grow up hunting. She currently has two dogs: Peaks, her 5 year old Braque, and Valley, her 1 year old German Shorthaired Pointer. She is currently involved in with NAVHDA, AKC hunt tests, AKC field trials, and is now an avid wild hunter. You can follow Ashley on Instagram at @trail_feather. -- The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is part of the HerUpland Podcast Network and is sponsored by onX Hunt.

Gear for you and your bird dog. What do you actually need versus what is a "nice to have"? In this episode I cover the essentials for bird dog training, as well as running field trials, hunt tests, or wild bird hunting.

In the intro, I mentioned AKC's new retrieve test for pointing breed field trials. The full rules can be accessed at https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Communication-Stand-Alone-Ret-Test-in-PBFT.pdf.

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

This one is for people who are brand new to bird dog training! In this episode, I walk through everything you need to know before your first training day—from what to wear and what to bring to what your dog should (and shouldn't) already know. Whether you're heading to your first lesson with a professional trainer or attending a group training day like NAVHDA, this episode will help you feel more prepared and confident. And if you're a long-time podcast listener or already experienced, consider sharing it with a friend who's just getting started.

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The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is part of the Her Upland Podcast Network and sponsored by OnX Hunt.

In this episode, I'm joined by Charlotte, who shares how adopting a reactive rescue Weimaraner eventually led her into the world of NAVHDA and bird dog training. When Jade came into Charlotte's life at a year and a half old, she struggled with anxiety and reactivity, leaving Charlotte searching for ways to meet her needs. Barn Hunt became their first breakthrough, giving Jade an outlet that noticeably reduced her stress and helped build her confidence. After learning that Jade came from field lines, Charlotte decided to see if hunting might be something that Jade would enjoy. One NAVHDA training day was all it took. Jade's natural bird drive and enthusiasm were undeniable, and Charlotte found a passion that has changed both of their lives. Three years later, Jade has made incredible progress. Her reactivity is much bette managed, she's working on being steady to shot, and Charlotte is hoping to take a trip this fall to introduce Jade to wild birds. If you've ever wondered whether it's too late to start a bird dog, questioned what a rescue dog is capable of, or simply love hearing stories of dogs discovering what they were born to do, you'll enjoy this conversation. You can follow Charlotte on Facebook or Instagram at Weim Crime Sisters. -- The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is part of the Her Upland Podcast Network and sponsored by OnX Hunt.

What does it take to raise a field trial puppy that develops into a National Champion? In this episode, I sit down with amateur field trialer John Bacik to discuss the puppy-raising and foundation behind his remarkable success. This year, John's older Vizsla Shelby won the Vizsla Club of America's National Gun Dog Championship, while his younger dog Taylor won the Open Derby and earned her Amateur Field Championship at 17 months. What's especially interesting is that John doesn't have many of the resources people often assume are necessary for success. He doesn't own horses, an ATV, or a large training property. Instead, he relies on access to a hunting club, a loft of homing pigeons, an e-bike, and a clear vision for what he wants his dogs to become. We dive into how he structures a puppy's first year, the bird work he introduces early on, and why his approach differs from what many handlers are doing. Whether your goal is field trials, hunt tests, or simply developing a confident bird dog, you'll find practical insights into how early experiences can shape a dog's future performance. If you've ever wondered whether you need professional-level resources to produce a high-performing bird dog, this conversation may change your perspective. You can reach John by email at [email protected]. -- The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is part of the @herupland Podcast Network and sponsored by @onxhunt.

Experienced Vizsla breeder Michelle Dowd of Broad Run Vizslas joins me to talk about her journey into breeding and the important things to consider when breeding dogs for field ability. Breeding has its ups and downs, and Michelle shares about the good and bad she's encountered over the past 26 years. She also offers her advice for people who might be looking to start breeding dogs themselves.

You can find Michelle on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok at Broad Run Vizslas or visit her website at broadrunvizslas.com.

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

Are you interested in learning how to start hunting with your bird dog? Do you have a young, energy-filled Pointer, German Shorthair, Vizsla, Brittany, etc. and you're curious about hunt tests or field trials? It can be confusing when you first get started, especially if you are new to bird hunting or bird hunting games. Where do I begin? How do I find someone to help me? What if I have never shot a gun before or my dog is not a puppy or I live in a city?

I know entering the hunting and testing world can be downright overwhelming at times, because I was in that same boat when I started. This podcast will offer some ideas to help you get started. If you're a long-time listener to the podcast, this may be review for you. However, perhaps you know someone who is new who you can share it with or get some ideas on how to help them.

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

Jessica Predom joins me again for part 2 discussing the Vizsla national walking field trial last month. We go into the details of how each of our dog's runs went and who got a placement ! As this was Zara's retirement run, I talk honestly about how it felt to run her and my feelings about the end of her field trial career.

You can follow Jessica on Instagram at @fieldtrial_lifestyle or @ridge_thevizsla.

-- The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is part of the HerUpland Podcast Network and is sponsored by OnX Hunt.

Fellow Vizsla owner, Jessica Predom, and I recorded a two-part episode about our Vizsla national walking field trial. This episode was recorded in multiple parts over the two months leading up to the event. We discuss our preparations, expectations, and goals for this prestigious trial. Stay tuned in two weeks for a recap of how everything panned out!

You can follow Jessica on Instagram at @fieldtrial_lifestyle or @ridge_thevizsla.

-- The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is part of the HerUpland Podcast Network and is sponsored by OnX Hunt.