In this episode of the Flatlander Kennels Podcast, Chris and Elliott sit down with Mike Marino of Marino Decoys to talk about hand carved cork decoys and the Marino experience. Mike shares how one disappointing box of plastic decoys pushed him to pick up a block of wood and carve his first goldeneye, and how that quickly grew into award winning gunning decoys that look and move like real birds on the water.

They dig deep into his custom dog urn decoys and tell the story of Spank, the grand hunting dog whose ashes now ride inside a huntable decoy built from shotgun shells that were actually fired over him. From lighter January mallards for timber hunts to rigs built for the method stage hunter who cares more about the experience than the pile, this one is all about honoring dogs, elevating the hunt, and creating heirlooms you can pass down to your kids.

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Chris and I are finally back on the mics after a long break and this one is packed. In this episode we recap a wild fall that included the Grand and the Master National, weeks on the road, and what it looks like behind the scenes when you are juggling two trucks full of dogs and big stakes tests. Chris walks through how the Grand went, why this trip felt like “out with the old and in with the new,” and shares the story of Shaker’s retirement at the line. We also talk about Flash hitting ten Grand passes, why Chris thinks Flash might be the best dog he has ever trained, and what really separates a truly great dog from a merely talented one.

From there we dive into the Master National and everything that went sideways. Chris breaks down the confusing judging, how their flight ended up a full day behind, and the unbelievable interference from neighboring landowners that forced them to scrap multiple series and rebuild tests. You will hear honest talk about judging standards, handling pressure when you are running a pile of dogs, and how it feels to have dogs run seven series and still get dropped. Mixed in are some crazy stats on handling unseen marks, updates on the young dogs coming up, and the bittersweet reality of saying goodbye to older warriors who have given everything they have.

If you love high level dog work, behind the scenes test talk, and real honesty about what trainers and dogs go through at the Grand and the National, this episode is for you.

Join us for an engaging episode with Chris Rud, a passionate dog trainer and host of the Hunt Test Hobo podcast. Chris shares his journey from flying model airplanes to mastering the art of dog training. Discover insights into the challenges and triumphs of training retrievers, the importance of patience and precision, and how Chris balances his passion with the demands of the field. Whether you're a seasoned trainer or just starting out, this episode offers valuable lessons and inspiration. Tune in and learn from one of the best in the business!

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Big Cottonwood Retrievers

Grant and Shari Hatch 308-289-6851http://www.bigcottonwoodretrievers.net

In this Flatlander Kennels Q/A session, Elliott and Chris tackle listener questions covering some of the most pressing training topics. From handling creeping at the line, to dealing with dogs shredding birds, to mastering primary selection and cast angles, Chris breaks down practical approaches for amateurs and pros alike. You’ll also hear insights on water sits, blind running attitude, young dog patience in the blind, and even what life looks like for a pro trainer on the road. Packed with real-world advice and perspective, this is an episode handlers at every level can take something from.

Partners

• Mammoth Guardian Dog Crates – Built tough, safe, and affordable. Search on Amazon and use code GUARDIAN15 for 15% off.

• Big Cottonwood Retrievers – Grant & Shari Hatch, quality Labrador breeding with proven hunt test and field pedigrees.

  www.bigcottonwoodretrievers.net(308) 289-6851

Special Thanks for our partners:

Big Cottonwood Retrievers

Grant and Shari Hatch

https://www.bigcottonwoodretrievers.net/308-289-6851

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Chris and Elliott catch up after a busy Double Master at the kennel and dive deep into the HRC Grand with Grand Committee Chairman Tracy Stubbs. Tracy explains how sites are chosen, how judges are paired and trained, what “area of the fall” really means, how blinds are evaluated, and why composure matters as much as control. Chris shares handler insights on finishing blinds, reading marks at distance, and managing nerves across four series plus upland. You will hear how today’s Grand balances power with brains, how the point system works, and why the event is more user friendly while remaining the toughest hunt test around. New partner spotlight is Mammoth Guardian Dog Crates with the roll cage travel attachment and code GUARDIAN15 on Amazon. Shout to Big Cottonwood Retrievers for well bred pups. Join the Flatlander Kennels Podcast Facebook group to ask questions for the next episode.

Partner Info

Big Cottonwood Retrievers📞 Grant & Shari Hatch – (308)-289-6851🌐 bigcottonwoodretrievers.net

Listener Questions Covered in This Episode

1. Re-entry Cheating Marks – How to correct or teach when a dog skirts a second piece of water instead of taking a straight line through.

2. Overexcited Dog Behavior – Handling a young dog that head-bobs and nervously smacks its lips while waiting on marks.

3. Setting Up Training Property – Key factors that influence bird placement and how to design setups for marks and blinds.

4. Sandburrs, Stickers, and Cactus – How to deal with tough ground conditions at hunt tests and in hunting situations.

5. From Weekend Tests to Nationals – Adjustments in training focus and control work when preparing for the Grand or Master National.

6. Top Dog Memories – Chris shares some of his favorite hunting dog stories from years in the field.

7. Dogs He’d Like a Do-Over On – Reflecting on early-career training challenges and one dog he wishes he could train again.

8. Training Chesapeake Bay Retrievers – Whether training techniques change with Chessies compared to Labradors.

9. Swim-By on a Tough Pond – Advice for amateurs working with less-than-ideal ponds when teaching swim-by and water T work.

   
   

   
   

DescriptionIn this episode of the Flatlander Kennels Podcast, Chris Jobman and Elliott Snider welcome special guest Grant Hatch of Big Cottonwood Retrievers. Grant shares his personal origin story—how a backyard lab led him into waterfowl hunting, training, and eventually building one of the most respected retriever breeding programs in the country.

The conversation covers everything from Sugar, his very first lab, to the challenges of sending a dog off for training, and the journey into breeding. Grant discusses pairing philosophy, medical standards, and what it takes to responsibly raise dogs that excel in the field, at hunt tests, and as family companions. Along the way, Chris and Grant reflect on unforgettable dogs, memorable hunt test experiences, and the rewarding relationships that come from the retriever world.

If you’re interested in high-quality retrievers, breeding insights, and the story behind Big Cottonwood Retrievers, this episode is packed with value.

Big Cottonwood Retrievers – Contact Information
🌐 Website: bigcottonwoodretrievers.net
📱 Phone: 308-289-6851
📍 Facebook & Instagram: Big Cottonwood Retrievers

🎧 Episode Description:

In this episode of The Flatlander Kennels Podcast, Chris Jobman and Elliott Snider answer a packed list of listener-submitted questions covering real-world retriever training challenges. Topics include dogs refusing over casts, slow or loopy water sits, issues with Sit to Pile, how to get dogs punching through cover, and when to introduce live flyers.

Chris shares practical advice and clear steps to help handlers troubleshoot and move forward — no matter what stage their dog is in. They also wrap up the core “flow chart” training series and talk about what’s coming next, from casting factors to advanced marking setups.

The episode finishes with a great question: What makes an amateur training group truly successful? Chris and Elliott dig into group dynamics, egos, support systems, and how to keep progressing as a team.

📌 Have a question for the show? Post it in the Flatlander Kennels Podcast Facebook group or on the Flatlander Kennels Facebook page.

Big Cottonwood RetrieversOne of Nebraska’s premier retriever breeding programs, Big Cottonwood works closely with Flatlander Kennels, using their proven stud dogs and training their pups. If you’re looking for a great hunting or competition dog, reach out to Grant Hatch.
🌐 Website: www.bigcottonwoodretrievers.net
📘 Facebook: Big Cottonwood Retrievers

Interested in sponsoring the podcast?
We’re currently partnering with a limited number of companies that align with serious retriever training and working dog culture. Contact Elliott via the show notes or Facebook to learn more.

🎉 Partner Spotlight: Big Cottonwood Retrievers

We’re proud to be partnered with Big Cottonwood Retrievers, owned and operated by Grant and Sheri Hatch. If you're looking for high-quality Labrador puppies from proven hunting lines, Big Cottonwood Retrievers is the place to go. They use several Flatlander Kennels stud dogs in their program, and we train a lot of their pups—so we can vouch for the drive, intelligence, and talent of these dogs.

📍 Located in Nebraska
📞 Phone: (308) 289-6851
🌐 website: https://www.bigcottonwoodretrievers.net

📘 Facebook: Big https://www.bigcottonwoodretrievers.net/Cottonwood Retrievers

Big changes are coming to the Master National—and not everyone is happy about it.

In this episode of The Flatlander Kennels Podcast, Elliott Snider and pro trainer Chris Jobman dive deep into the recent announcement limiting total entries at the 2026 Master National to around 840 dogs. Chris doesn't hold back as he shares how this decision is impacting pros, clients, and the future of the sport.

They cover:

• Why the decision feels like a slap in the face to professional trainers

• How it cuts income and opportunity for working dog handlers

• The growing divide between amateurs and pros in retriever events

• Why this may signal the decline—or even the end—of the Master National as we know it

• A hint at a new game on the horizon that could change everything

If you care about the future of retriever hunt tests, this is a must-listen.

🔥 Join the conversation on the Flatlander Kennels Facebook Group and make sure to Follow the new Flatlander Kennels Page to share episodes more easily.

In this episode of the Flatlander Kennels Podcast, Elliott Snider and Chris Jobman sit down for a Q&A session covering some of the most important details in dog training and test handling. Chris breaks down how he communicates with dogs at the line, when to use a verbal back cast, how to fix creeping and popping, and how to teach better swing mechanics. The guys also dive into a hot topic: Are AKC Master tests getting too soft? Chris shares his honest take on the state of judging, weekend test standards, and the line between challenge and fairness. Whether you're a seasoned handler or just getting started, this episode is full of valuable insight and a good dose of humor.

Be sure to submit your questions on Instagram or in the Flatlander Kennels Podcast Facebook group to be featured in future episodes!