Jeff Funke joins me to discuss the VHDF, an organization that was founded in 2007 with the intention to take the best parts of existing testing systems and make a series of tests that really reflected the versatile hunting dog in North America. The VHDF's scoring system allows for a lot of nuance and is able to highlight exceptional dogs, which is a plus for breeders who are trying to breed better hunting dogs.   You can contact Jeff via email [email protected]. For more information about the VHDF, visit https://versatilehuntingdogfederation.wildapricot.org.  

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

You can find me on the following platforms:

Instagram | Facebook | Website 

Gretchen Stephenson joins me again to talk about the Shooting Ratings tests for Weimaraners. These field events were developed in the 1950s as a way to objectively evaluate the hunting skills of Weimaraners and are put on by the Weimaraner Club of America. AKC's hunting tests for all pointing breeds were actually based on these tests! There are distinct differences, however, which we discuss.     You can get in touch with Gretchen on Facebook, via email at [email protected] or view her website at caninemannersandmore.com.   

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

You can find me on the following platforms:

Instagram | Facebook | Website 

Gretchen Stephenson, Weimaraner owner, breeder, and trainer, joins me to talk about Retrieving Ratings tests for Weimaraners. These events were developed in the 1950s as a way to objectively evaluate the hunting skills of Weimaraners and are put on by the Weimaraner Club of America.    You can get in touch with Gretchen on Facebook, via email at [email protected] or view her website at caninemannersandmore.com.   

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

You can find me on the following platforms:

Instagram | Facebook | Website 

Some consider wild bird hunting to be superior to tests and trials involving pen-raised birds. But for many people, hunting events have their place as well. In this episode, I discuss the value of tests and trials as well as transitioning between these events and hunting.

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

You can find me on the following platforms:

Instagram | Facebook | Website 

Summer is often a lull period between testing and trialing seasons. When it's hot and humid and there isn't always access to birds, you may be wondering what to work on with your bird dog. This episode covers some ideas of things to do during the summer months.

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

You can find me on the following platforms:

Instagram | Facebook | Website 

Mike Neiduski, owner of Ugly Dog Hunting company and Senior NAVHDA judge, joins me to talk about becoming a NAVHDA judge. We discuss his experiences going through the Apprentice Program, including why he decided to become a judge, what it was like to apprentice for the first time, and what he enjoyed the most about being an apprentice. We also get into his journey becoming a Senior judge and what the future may hold.   Mike also hosts the Ugly Dog Podcast. You can find him on Instagram, Facebook, or Tiktok. And you can visit his website or send him an email at [email protected].

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

You can find me on the following platforms:

Instagram | Facebook | Website 

Did you know that you can always handle your dog from foot in an AKC horseback field trial? In this episode I discuss some considerations and ways to prepare yourself to be a walking handler in a horseback stake. Even if you might be at a slight disadvantage, your dog can still be successful.

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

You can find me on the following platforms:

Instagram | Facebook | Website 

I interviewed UFTA judge Brian Cooney about United Field Trialers Association field trials. We discussed the different divisions, the rules, and why he likes this field trial game over others.   You can find Brian on Instagram @wingshotandfall. For more information about UFTA, check out their website at ufta-online.com.

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

You can find me on the following platforms:

Instagram | Facebook | Website 

In this episode, I talk about running multiple kinds of events with your pointing dog. Some people say you can't run a field trial dog in hunt tests or NAVHDA and vice versa, but that's not always true. If you're going to transition between different types of events, what are some considerations to think about in training? How do you keep the rules straight?

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

You can find me on the following platforms:

Instagram | Facebook | Website 

This is the final part of a three-part series discussing the Jagdgebrauchshundverband (JGHV) testing system. I interviewed Cortney Schaefer about the VGP test, which is the finished versatile hunting dog test. This is a two-day test that encompasses 20+ test subjects and is typically run by dogs between 18 and 36 months of age. Cortney has been a JGHV judge since 2013 and currently owns and breeds Deutsch Drahthaars.

You can reach Cortney on Instagram or via her website.