The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast

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 .

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 .

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 imageline@sbcglobal.net. -- The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is part of the @herupland Podcast Network and sponsored by @onxhunt .

Experienced Vizsla breeder Michelle Dowd of Broad Run Vizslas joins me to talk about her journey into breeding and the important things to consider when breeding dogs for field ability. Breeding has its ups and downs, and Michelle shares about the good and bad she's encountered over the past 26 years. She also offers her advice for people who might be looking to start breeding dogs themselves. You can find Michelle on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok at Broad Run Vizslas or visit her website at broadrunvizslas.com . -- The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is part of the HerUpland Podcast Network and sponsored by OnX Hunt .

Are you interested in learning how to start hunting with your bird dog? Do you have a young, energy-filled Pointer, German Shorthair, Vizsla, Brittany, etc. and you're curious about hunt tests or field trials? It can be confusing when you first get started, especially if you are new to bird hunting or bird hunting games. Where do I begin? How do I find someone to help me? What if I have never shot a gun before or my dog is not a puppy or I live in a city? I know entering the hunting and testing world can be downright overwhelming at times, because I was in that same boat when I started. This podcast will offer some ideas to help you get started. If you're a long-time listener to the podcast, this may be review for you. However, perhaps you know someone who is new who you can share it with or get some ideas on how to help them. -- The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is part of the HerUpland Podcast Network and sponsored by OnX Hunt .

Jessica Predom joins me again for part 2 discussing the Vizsla national walking field trial last month. We go into the details of how each of our dog's runs went and who got a placement ! As this was Zara's retirement run, I talk honestly about how it felt to run her and my feelings about the end of her field trial career. You can follow Jessica on Instagram at @fieldtrial_lifestyle or @ridge_thevizsla. -- The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is part of the HerUpland Podcast Network and is sponsored by OnX Hunt.

Fellow Vizsla owner, Jessica Predom, and I recorded a two-part episode about our Vizsla national walking field trial. This episode was recorded in multiple parts over the two months leading up to the event. We discuss our preparations, expectations, and goals for this prestigious trial. Stay tuned in two weeks for a recap of how everything panned out! You can follow Jessica on Instagram at @fieldtrial_lifestyle or @ridge_thevizsla. -- The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is part of the HerUpland Podcast Network and is sponsored by OnX Hunt.

Many people get into the bird dog world with a young dog and train for beginner-level events, like the NAVHDA Natural Ability test, AKC Junior Hunter tests, or field trial puppy and derby stakes. With a well-bred bird dog and some deliberate exposure, doing well at these events shouldn't take a ton of effort. However, the jump to intermediate or advanced levels of testing is large. I find that people often underestimate the amount of time and energy it takes to get your dog ready for Senior/Master hunting tests, adult field trial stakes, or the NAVHDA Utility test (I know I did!). This episode discusses some general guidelines on the amount of time and effort you should expect to invest in order to reach the various levels. -- The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is part of the HerUpland Podcast Network and is sponsored by OnX Hunt.

Emily has been involved in the dog sport world for a while, starting with agility and training and eventually moving into shed hunting when she met her husband. She trained her Lab and then her first German Wirehaired Pointer for shed hunting. They even started a shed dog club in their area. Through this club, they met friends who took them chukar hunting and soon after, they were hooked. Although her first GWP didn't show a lot of interest in shed hunting, he excels as a bird dog. Emily rescued another GWP along the way and is now training her new puppy, a Wirehaired Vizsla named Kanyon, for the NAVHDA Natural Ability test and being a wild bird dog. I'm sure you'll enjoy listening to Emily's story. You can follow her on Facebook at Backcountry Antler Dogs and on Instagram at @backcountry_versatile_dogs. -- The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is part of the HerUpland Podcast Network and is sponsored by OnX Hunt.

Heather Wallace and I discuss the topic of getting burnt out with your bird dog training, testing, and trialing. We talk about two main kinds of burn out. The first is the feeling of mental exhaustion that can come when your training is not going well, or you are not having a lot of success in tests or trials. The second is the fatigue from all the logistics – setting up training sessions, lining up gunners, getting birds, planning around your work schedule, not to mention all of the driving that's involved. We hope you relate to this honest conversation about the realities of pursuing these hobbies with our bird dogs. You can find Heather on Facebook or Instagram at @hlw_outdoors. -- The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by OnX Hunt and part of the HerUpland Podcast Network.

New podcast episode! Planning Out A Hunt Test/Field Trial Season 🎙 A successful field trial or hunt test season doesn't happen by accident. If you're a planner like me, then you'll enjoy this topic. 😜 In this episode, I walk you through how to plan your season strategically instead of just signing up for every event that pops up on the calendar. We talk about starting with your goals (Earning a specific title? Gaining experience? Confidence-building?), then looking at what's actually offered in your area and when. I break down how to choose which events to attend based on: – The type of grounds and how they suit your dog – Travel distance and logistics – The judges and their style – The overall atmosphere and culture of the hosting club We also dive into practical considerations like how much training time you realistically need between events, how weather can impact performance, and how to decide which stakes or levels to enter. I end by talking about the off-season — how to use that time wisely and make time for rest. -- The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by OnX Hunt and part of the HerUpland Podcast Network.

AKC hunt tests can feel overwhelming, no matter what level you're running. After judging a test last weekend, I walked away with a long list of things handlers could do in training and at the actual test to set themselves up for more successful runs. In this episode, I'm sharing those tips and tricks to help you and your dog be more prepared and confident. -- The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by OnX Hunt and part of the HerUpland Podcast Network.

For the first episode of the year, I'm kicking it off with another story of someone who got a pointing dog as a pet and then decided to get into hunting later. In this episode of Tales of Accidental Bird Dogs, I sit down with Jeff Beck, whose journey into the bird dog world started with one goal: finding an active dog he could train and do fun things with. Jeff's first dog, a GSP named Jinx, was originally meant to be a versatile companion—obedience work, UKC shed dog competitions, and staying busy. But everything changed when he took her to a pro trainer for some bird exposure. The moment he saw her lock up on point, he was hooked. Fast forward to today, and Jeff is deep in the bird dog life. He now owns five dogs (four of them GSPs), runs hunt tests with his kids, guides, maintains a serious pigeon coop, and operates a small obedience training business. What started as "just wanting a dog to train" has turned into a full-blown family lifestyle centered around dogs, birds, and learning together. You can get in touch with Jeff on Facebook at Point Perfect K9 Academy . -- The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by OnX Hunt and part of the HerUpland Podcast Network.

For the third year in a row, I'm wrapping up the year with an end-of-year listener Q&A. In this episode, I answer questions submitted by you—covering everything from how I taught my dogs whoa, to whether it makes sense to start with field trials or NAVHDA first, and how to keep making progress when you have limited access to birds. Thanks to everyone who submitted a question and thank you for listening to my podcast this year! Cheers to 2026! 🥂 -- The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by OnX Hunt and part of the HerUpland Podcast Network.

This week on the podcast, I'm doing something a little different—I'm reading a few chapters from my book, The Accidental Bird Dog: My Journey with an Extraordinary Vizsla . If you've ever wondered how my story began—or if you've read the book and want to experience it in a new way—this is for you. And yes…this is a teaser, because the audiobook is officially in the works. ☺️ The paperback and ebook versions are currently available on Amazon . -- The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is part of the HerUpland Podcast Network and sponsored by onX Hunt .

Do you feel nervous when handling your dog in competitions and events? Even after competing for 10 years, I still feel anxious every single time. In this episode, I dive into the mindset challenges that come with running your dog in tests and trials. I share my own experiences with negative self-talk, including moments when I nearly talked myself out of competing altogether. We explore what pre-performance anxiety feels like, why it's completely normal, and how to work through it so you can show up as the best handler for your dog. I also break down practical strategies—taking care of your physical needs, focusing on constructive thoughts, and setting layered goals—to make things a little easier the next time you handle your dog. -- The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is part of the HerUpland Podcast Network and sponsored by onX Hunt .

In this episode, I'm joined once again by Cristina Ralph to explore how building engagement and a positive relationship with your dog sets the stage for effective training so they want to work with us. We break down how marker systems create a clear communication language, and we discuss the difference between drive and arousal—plus real-world examples of how these concepts show up in hunting dogs. If you want a dog that wants to work with you, not just goes through the motions, this episode is a must-listen. You can find Cristina on Instagram at @gretablaiseandwednesdayaddams or @huntinginharmony . You can reach her by email at huntinginharmony@gmail.com . Her kennel is vom Zamora Deutsch Kurzhaars . -- The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by onX Hunt . We are part of the HerUpland Podcast Network.

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/ -- 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 geriorta1@gmail.com. -- 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 . -- The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by onX Hunt and Elevate Pet Provisions . We are part of the HerUpland Podcast Network.