In this episode in my series of Tales of Accidental Bird Dogs, I chat with Vanessa Carmean about the unexpected journey that started with her first German Shorthaired Pointer, Camo. After years with Labradors and a family health scare, Vanessa and her husband chose a pointing breed—though she had no idea what she was getting into.

What began as a plan to do a little dove hunting turned into something much bigger. Vanessa shares how Camo’s first Junior Hunter test revealed his natural talent, sparking her curiosity and passion for pointing dog training. Armed with YouTube and determination, she began training for Senior Hunter. There were lots of ups and downs along the way, and she eventually added more GSPs to the mix and became a breeder, hunt test judge, and field trial judge.

We talk about her learning curve, her love for the sport, and the value of mentorship. Vanessa’s story is a great reminder that kind words and encouragement can truly shape someone’s path in the bird dog world.

The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by OnX Hunt and Elevate Pet Provisions. We are part of the HerUpland Podcast Network.

In this week's episode, I interviewed Amanda Gruhn about her incredible win at the German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America's National Amateur Gun Dog Championship this year. Amanda shares the inspiring journey of how she and her dog Penny prepared for this prestigious field trial—from early training techniques to the challenges they overcame along the way. We dive into the strategies that helped make Penny rock-solid in the field, the importance of handling, and how Amanda dealt with her nerves while at the event. Whether you're a seasoned field trialer or just like a good success story, you'll certainly enjoy this episode.

You can follow Amanda on Instagram @drakeandpenny.

The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast covers hunting events for pointing breeds. We are sponsored by onX Hunt and Elevate Pet Provisions. We are part of the HerUpland Podcast Network.

In this episode, we dive deep into the path toward earning AKC Field Champion (FC) and Amateur Field Champion (AFC) titles for pointing breeds. I break down the point schedule in detail, explain retrieving credits, and clarify how juvenile points factor into the journey. Plus, we explore the amateur-to-open crossover points. If you're looking for a quick guide of how to earn AKC field trial titles, this is it!    The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast covers hunting events for pointing breeds. We are sponsored by onX Hunt and Elevate Pet Provisions. We are part of the HerUpland Podcast Network.

In this episode, I interview Chris Ingram, Marketing Promotions Manager for the United Kennel Club, to talk about the rich legacy of The American Field—a cornerstone publication in the pointing dog world since 1874. We dive into its evolution and the exciting launch of its next chapter: the American Field Sportsman's Journal.

This newly revamped 100-page printed magazine honors the 151-year tradition while bringing fresh energy to the stories and heritage of hunting and working dogs. From bird dogs and retrievers to hounds and beagles, the AFSJ celebrates the enduring bond between hunters and their canine companions through in-depth articles, beautiful photography, and timeless storytelling. Spoiler alert: I have written an article which will appear in the Summer 2025 issue!

If you'd like to subscribe to the new American Field Sportsman's Journal, go to journal.americanfield.com. To get in touch with Chris, you can email him at [email protected].

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The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast covers hunting events for pointing breeds. We are sponsored by onX Hunt and Elevate Pet Provisions. We are part of the HerUpland Podcast Network.

Jerry DeRose, AKC retriever hunt test judge, joins me again to talk about the Senior Hunter level. We discuss the differences between Junior and Senior and what kind of training your dog needs in order to pass the SHR level. These are challenging tests but could be a good option for a pointing dog who is experienced with blind retrieves or has run the NAVHDA Invitational.   You can get in touch with Jerry on Facebook at Calm Focused K9s – DeRose Kennels. -- The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast covers hunting events for pointing breeds. We are sponsored by onX Hunt and part of the HerUpland Podcast Network.

Dan Wittman, NAVHDA's Director of Testing, joins me to talk about the new Gun Dog Test, which replaces the Utility Preparatory Test. We discuss how this test is designed to keep NAVHDA members engaged after the Natural Ability level and seems to be a positive change for the organization. Tune in to hear how the Gun Dog Test works and how it's different from the old UPT.   To get in touch with Dan, you can email him at [email protected]. The revised Aims Programs Test Rules book can be downloaded at navhda.org/aims-programs-test-rules   The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast covers hunting events for pointing breeds. Our sponsors are OnX Hunt and Boss Shotshells. We are part of the HerUpland Podcast Network.

In the second installment of Tales of Accidental Bird Dogs, we sit down with Cristina Ralph, a passionate dog owner and trainer who’s fully embraced the world of bird dogs.

Cristina is the proud owner of three dogs: two German Shorthaired Pointers, Greta and Blaise, and a Deutsch Kurzhaar named Wednesday. Before diving into bird dog training, Cristina spent years working with Siberian Huskies in pulling sports. When she sought a versatile running partner, she found exactly what she was looking for – and then some – with Greta, her first GSP.

Cristina shares her journey from the early days of training Greta for Field Dog Junior tests, where she made plenty of hilarious mistakes, to now, when she’s fully immersed in the world of bird dog training. With the addition of Blaise and Wednesday, Cristina’s dedication to her bird dogs has only deepened, and she’s now gearing up for a new adventure—breeding Wednesday.

You can follow Cristina on Instagram at @gretablaiseandwednesday. Her kennel website is www.vomzamora.ca . She's also putting on introductory field seminars with a friend through her company, Hunting in Harmony. Check them out on Instagram and Facebook @huntinginharmony.

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

Professional handler and trainer Tammy Chaffee of Pioneer Kennels joins me to talk about Cover Dog trials. These are unique walking field trials run on wild grouse and woodcock under UKC/American Field rules. In this episode, we explore how these trials differ from traditional horseback trials with pen-raised birds, what judges are looking for, and the unpredictable challenges of working in thick cover. 

You can get in touch with Tammy via her Pioneer Kennels Facebook page. 

For more information about Cover Dog trials, check out the Cover Dog Field Trial Message Board or the Cover Dogs Facebook group. 

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

In this episode, we dive into the world of AKC hunting tests for retrievers, with a focus on the Junior level. Originally designed for retriever breeds like Labradors and Goldens, these tests are open to pointing breeds as well. If your dog has a solid retrieve and a strong obedience foundation, they could be a great fit for these tests. I sit down with Jerry DeRose, an experienced AKC hunting test judge from Minnesota, to break down the different components of the test and share tips on how to set your dog up for success.

To get in touch with Jerry, find him on Facebook or visit his kennel page.

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

In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of my journey to become an AKC hunting test judge for pointing breeds. I walk through the requirements for becoming a judge, share my experience apprenticing at a recent hunting test, and reflect on the key takeaways from the experience. Tune in for insights into the judging process, what I learned along the way, and why I enjoyed watching the dogs and handlers.

In the intro, I mention the scentwork course I am hosting with Tamara from Canine Development & Testing and Mike from Ugly Dog Hunting. The course starts February 3rd and registration is now open! Here's the link to register: https://caninedevelopmentandtesting.mykajabi.com/birddogdetection

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