The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast

By Terry Ann Fernando

The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast focuses on hunting dog events and competitions for pointing breeds and is intended to inspire and encourage other dog owners to do more with their dogs.... more

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1515 ratings

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How many episodes does The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 90 episodes available.

Best of The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast

The most played episodes among Podcast App listeners.

Number 1: Summer Training Series: What We Worked on With Our Dogs
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. -- The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is part of the HerUpland Podcast Network.
September 17, 20261h 33min
Number 2: Gear for Training, Testing, Trialing, and Hunting
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. -- The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by OnX Hunt and part of the HerUpland Podcast Network.
August 19, 202639min
Number 3: Getting Started in Bird Dog Training
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. -- The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is part of the Her Upland Podcast Network and sponsored by OnX Hunt.
July 29, 202645min
Number 4: Tales of Accidental Bird Dogs: Charlotte Bryant
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.
July 15, 202648min
Number 5: The Puppy Foundation Behind a National Champion
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.
June 17, 20261h