If you’re new to the bird dog world, one of the first big questions you’ll face is: What should I do with my dog? In this episode, I break down the main types of pointing dog events — hunt tests, field trials, and versatile dog tests — and talk about what makes each one unique.

We’ll cover the organizations behind these events, what kinds of dogs are eligible, and how to decide which might be the best fit for you and your pup. I’ll also share a few things to think about when choosing where to start, like what kind of training you enjoy, your dog’s natural strengths and weaknesses, and how much you like competition.

Whether you’re hoping to earn titles, join a supportive training community, or just give your dog a fun new challenge, this episode will help you find your starting point in the world of pointing dog events.

This episode is also available in written form with links and photos! Check out https://accidentalbirddog.com/field-trials-vs-hunt-tests-vs-navhda-which-should-i-do-with-my-dog/

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The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by onX Hunt. We are part of the HerUpland Podcast Network.

In this episode, I sit down with Geri Orta to talk about her incredible German Shorthaired Pointer, Ranger (VC TC AFC OTCH2 Sageflyer Gorta's Ranger UDX8 OGM GO VER RE MH NA CA BCAT). Ranger made history as the oldest dog to pass the NAVHDA Invitational and earn a Versatile Champion title—at an astounding 12 years and 9 months old.

Geri shares how she set ambitious goals for Ranger from the very beginning, aiming for him to become the breed’s first AKC triple champion. Even after retiring him from the field, Ranger wasn’t content to slow down. At age 10, he returned to competition, and Geri decided to give NAVHDA a try. Together, they achieved more than most could dream of.

This conversation is not only about titles and achievements, but also about the bond between handler and dog, perseverance, and what’s possible when our bird dogs remain healthy and motivated in their senior years. Ranger has been an inspiration to me personally, especially when I was deciding whether to retire my own dog, Zara, from NAVHDA events.

If you’ve ever wondered what older dogs are capable of, this episode will leave you inspired.

You can get in touch with Geri at [email protected].

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The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by onX Hunt. We are part of the HerUpland Podcast Network.

I interviewed Adrienne Barber in our latest installment of the Tales of Accidental Bird Dog series. Adrienne got a Spinone, Fig, as an active running and adventure companion in 2016. After a while, she noticed that Fig wouldn't stop pointing tweety birds while she was walking her in the city, so she decided to look into hunting. She got involved in NAVHDA and eventually ran Fig in the Natural Ability test for evaluation only as she was a little past the age cut-off. 

Since then, Adrienne started hunting and recently got another bird dog, a Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla, named Frankie. We talk about her journey into the bird dog world, how life circumstances slowed down Fig's development a bit, and what she's done differently with Frankie. Adrienne's story is very relatable and I think you will enjoy it! 

You can find Adrienne on Instagram at @mostlyfigandfran. 

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

The AKC just made a major change to field trial rules: judges in walking stakes can now use ATVs and UTVs instead of being required to ride horses. To unpack what this means for the sport, I sit down with Paul Hermes — a Florida-based AKC field trial and hunt test judge — to talk through the impact.

Paul is realistic about the situation and in an ideal world, he would prefer to have horses for judging. But he also recognizes the practical challenges: horses are increasingly hard to source, and many younger participants don’t own them. We discuss the upsides of this shift, the potential challenges it brings, and why, overall, this move could help keep field trials alive and more accessible for the next generation.

You can find Paul on Facebook or email him at [email protected].

My online course: https://accidentalbirddog.learnworlds.com/

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

Steadiness can be one of the most challenging things to teach to your pointing dog. In this episode, I talk about the general process of teaching steadiness, regardless of the method you are using. I discuss common mistakes I see people making and those I was guilty of with Zara. I also go into detail about the process I'm using to teach Lanka to be steady on birds.

Links mentioned in this episode:

NAVHDA Aims, Programs, Test Rules booklet, page 44 for the steadiness diagram: https://www.navhda.org/aims-programs-test-rules/

My upcoming group coaching program: https://accidentalbirddog.com/group-coaching/

My online course: https://accidentalbirddog.learnworlds.com/

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

How do you figure out if your dog is ready to enter a hunt test or field trial? In this episode, I break down what readiness really means. From evaluating your dog’s skills to assessing your own confidence and long-term goals, I’ll walk you through key questions to ask yourself before signing up. I also share how time constraints and mental preparedness play a role in deciding when to enter—or hold back. I hope you find this episode useful whether you are entering your very first event or an advanced level test or trial.

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

In this episode, I sit down with Kelli—an Irish Setter breeder, handler, and passionate field trialer who has fully embraced the bird dog lifestyle. What sets Kelli apart is the adventurous path she and her husband have chosen: living full-time in their RV as they travel the country training, hunting, and competing with their dogs.   We talk about how she first got involved with Irish Setters, what sparked her interest in field trials, and what it took to transition to life on the road. Kelli shares a refreshing perspective on what it means to go “all in” on your passion—and how that decision has shaped her life with her dogs.   You can visit Kelli's website at https://www.quantonas.com, follow her on Instagram at @quantonas_irish, or find her on Facebook at Kelli Aitken-Thompson. Her husband, Clayton's, YouTube channel is @RedbeardOutdoors-IrishSetters.  -- The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by onX Hunt and Elevate Pet Provisions. We are part of the HerUpland Podcast Network.

So whose dog has gotten picked up in a field trial before?! If you run field trials, it's pretty much inevitable that your dog is going to get picked up at some point, no matter how well trained they are. In this episode, I discuss different ways that can get your dog picked up in AKC field trial gun dog stakes. I also go into detail about Zara's field trial career and explain the times that she has gotten picked up. I've heard from listeners that people like to hear these personal stories and how I've learned from mistakes I've made, so hopefully you find this useful!  -- The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by OnX Hunt and Elevate Pet Provisions. We are part of the HerUpland Podcast Network.

In this episode, I’m joined by professional dog trainer Emily Shirey of Horizon Retrievers. Emily brings a wealth of experience running retriever hunt tests with both her German Shorthaired Pointer and her Labrador Retriever. We dive into the Hunting Retriever Club (HRC) test structure, focusing on the Started and Seasoned levels, and break down how these tests work. Emily shares insights on what handlers can expect, how HRC compares to AKC retriever tests, and why the HRC community is such a welcoming space for newcomers. If you’ve ever wondered whether your pointing breed bird dog could participate in HRC hunt tests—the answer is yes, and this episode is for you.

You can follow Emily on Instagram at @horizonretrievers or @shorthairsandshotguns. Her website is horizonretrievers.com. 

For more information about HRC tests, visit hrc.dog. 

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

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.