In Part 2 of this Flatlander Kennels roundtable, Chris Jobman leads a powerhouse Q&A session alongside Chris Akin (Webfooted Kennels), Eric Teson (Habitat Flats Kennels), and Rhett Riddle (Bay Creek Kennels). These top-tier trainers tackle questions straight from the Flatlander Kennels Podcast Facebook Group, covering topics like:

• Building confidence in the water

• Training dogs to fight wind and hold their lines

• Puppy training philosophy and exposure

• Marking drills for tighter hunts

• Auto-casting and scent cone avoidance

Whether you're new to hunt tests or prepping for the Grand, this episode is packed with wisdom, laughs, and hard-earned advice from some of the best in the business.

In this powerhouse episode of The Flatlander Kennels Podcast, Chris Jobman is joined by an all-star panel of elite retriever trainers to talk all things Spring Grand. You’ll hear from:

• Chris Akin of Webfooted Kennels (Jonesboro, AR)

• Rhett Riddle of Bay Creek Kennels (Hartsville, SC)

• Eric Teson of Habitat Flats Kennels (MO)

Together, this group holds over 400 Grand passes and decades of experience. They dive deep into preparation strategies, mental challenges, changes in the event over time, judging consistency, and the importance of sticking to your training style. This is one of the most detailed and honest conversations about running the HRC Grand you’ll find anywhere.

Stay tuned for part two—our Q&A episode—where we answer listener-submitted questions from the Flatlander Kennels Podcast Facebook group.

What separates a good dog handler from a great one? In this episode, Chris Jobman and Elliott Snider sit down with Rhett Riddle and Dave Marsteller to break down what it really takes to grow as a handler. From timing whistles to reading lead changes, developing routines to staying calm under pressure — this conversation is packed with insight for both amateurs and pros looking to get better at the line.

In this episode of the Flatlander Kennels Podcast, Chris Jobman and Elliott sit down with longtime friend and retired Air Force veteran John Michael Rohl (aka “Jim”) to relive the wild ride that turned an $800 newspaper puppy into a decorated champion retriever. From their first meeting through a message board in 2008, to Deke becoming a four-time Grand Hunting Retriever Champion and SRS finalist, this episode is full of laughs, lessons, and legendary stories.

They dive into how Jim transitioned from an eager amateur into a professional dog trainer, the challenges of balancing passion and profession, and the realities of building a kennel from the ground up. You’ll hear hilarious behind-the-scenes tales from the hunt test circuit, lessons learned from Deke’s early momentum training, and unfiltered advice for amateurs looking to go pro.

Whether you're in it for the dogs, the laughs, or the wisdom from two seasoned trainers, this story-packed episode delivers it all.

In this episode of the Flatlander Kennels Podcast, Chris Jobman and Elliott continue the flow chart series with a deep dive into water pattern blinds—how they differ from land pattern blinds, the concepts to teach first, when to use the e-collar, and how to build a thinking, confident dog in the water. Then they shift gears into a Q&A session, tackling listener-submitted questions about simulated flyers, bucket drills, interrupted triples, master test prep, and more. Whether you’re training for finished or master-level tests, this episode is packed with insights you can take straight to the field.

In Episode #45 of the Flatlander Kennels Podcast, Chris Jobman breaks down the next step in his retriever training flowchart—Land Pattern Blinds. Chris shares his detailed approach to building handling skills, maintaining momentum, and developing a confident, team-oriented retriever. He explains why pattern blinds are essential, how to avoid common training mistakes, and why handling is more important than lining. Plus, Elliott and Chris answer listener questions on training drive in British Labs, managing hunt test burnout, and prepping for the Grand and Master National. Join us for another in-depth training discussion and be sure to check out the full Flowchart series on YouTube and Facebook!

In this episode, Elliott and Chris Jobman are joined by professional retriever trainer Rhett Riddle of Bay Creek Kennels for a deep-dive Q&A session. They tackle listener-submitted questions on post-hunting season training, handling drills, avoiding injuries, and getting dogs back in top shape for hunt tests. If you’re looking for expert insights and practical training tips, this episode is a must-listen!

In this episode, we sit down with Rhett Riddle of Bay Creek Kennels to talk about his incredible journey training retrievers and his historic achievement—becoming the first known handler to have his dog, Crown, retrieve every recognized species of waterfowl in North America. From his early days training bomb dogs to his deep dive into retriever training, Rhett shares the experiences, challenges, and unforgettable moments that shaped his career. We cover everything from hunting King Eiders in Greenland to overcoming obstacles in dog training and the unique bond between Rhett and Crown. This is a story of dedication, adventure, and passion for waterfowl and retrievers that you won’t want to miss!

Summary

In this episode of the Flatlander Kennels podcast, Chris Jobman discusses the intricacies of pattern blind casting for retrievers. He explains the three-legged pattern drill, advanced techniques, and the importance of teamwork and handling skills. The conversation also covers how to address cast refusals, the structure of training sessions, and the balance between challenging the dog and managing mental stress. This comprehensive guide aims to help dog owners and trainers enhance their retriever's skills effectively. In this conversation, Chris Jobman and Elliott discuss various aspects of dog training, focusing on the importance of consistency and understanding individual dog behaviors. They emphasize the significance of staying the course in training programs, the nuances of dog delivery techniques, and the characteristics of British dogs, particularly regarding their drive and performance in cold conditions. The dialogue provides insights into common training mistakes and the need for handlers to adapt their methods based on the dog's temperament and abilities.

In this episode of the Flatlander Kennels podcast, Chris Jobman discusses the transition from the Grand event to hunting season, sharing insights on daily routines, hunting experiences, and the training of dogs. He reflects on the recent Grand event, highlighting the pass rates and notable achievements of various dogs, including the challenges faced during training, particularly with sticking issues. The conversation emphasizes the importance of maintaining a calm demeanor during training and the joy of celebrating the successes of both dogs and handlers. In this conversation, Chris Jobman and Elliott discuss various aspects of dog training, particularly focusing on high drive dogs, their performance in trials, and the importance of mental readiness in training. They also touch on breeding considerations and address behavioral concerns when introducing new dogs into a household with existing pets. The dialogue emphasizes the need for patience and proper training techniques to ensure successful outcomes for both dogs and their handlers.