Using a short and long lead to train your dog how to quarter at home and in the field. Have you ever hunted over a dog with a sixth sense for finding birds? Perhaps the dog had a higher-than-average drive to push out to find game. Or maybe it was highly intelligent and sought the most productive cover. Its exceptional nose could’ve been dialed in. Regardless of the attribute, it must have had a cooperative temperament, trusted its handler’s leadership, and would follow them to the ends of the world.  Listen to more articles on Apple | Google | Spotify |  ..read more

Explore the tradition and conservation of red grouse in Scotland with pointing dogs during the spring season. July is an exciting month for us, as it signals the approach of our shooting season, which starts on 12 August—known as The Glorious Twelfth—with the opening of the red grouse season. Listen to more articles on Apple | Google | Spotify | Audible My husband Ronnie and I live on the northwest coast of Scotland with our ten Hungarian Wirehaired Vizslas. They are a huge part of our lives—they share our house and our sofas and are our family. The breed ha ..read more

Is using long leads to train dogs a relic of the past or a timeless treasure? Dog training methodologies are vast. The long lead’s outward appearance may seem to be a relic of training days gone by. And truth be told, for some, they wouldn’t be wrong. With the invention of the e-collar and the now mainstream training approaches of utilizing classical and operant conditioning, many trainers forego the use of the long lead altogether.  Listen to more articles on Apple | Google | Spotify | Audible I’d argue that the long lead is not only relevant today but ..read more

A look at the NAVHDA Utility Test, including test events, scoring, preparation, and what to expect for your hunting dog. When it comes to evaluating hunting dogs—whether for breeding purposes or bragging rights—the methods and philosophies are as varied as hunters themselves. What constitutes a “good” hunting dog, and whose opinion counts? One hunter’s ideal dog could be a terrible match for someone else’s style, and vice versa.  Listen to more articles on Apple | Google | Spotify | Audible Non-competitive hunt tests came about as an attempt to standard ..read more

Explore the fascinating history and evolution of water spaniels, from their origins in the British Isles to their close genetic ties with retriever breeds. Water spaniels are but a vestige of what they once were. Originally developed in the British Isles for waterfowl retrieving, today only three breeds remain. The American Water Spaniel and its close cousin, the Boykin, are joined by the Irish Water Spaniel as remnants of what was once a broad spectrum of water dogs.  Listen to more articles on Apple | Google | Spotify | Audible The origin of water spa ..read more

Discover the Irish Setter, an iconic red hunting dog breed renowned for its distinct characteristics and rich history. Learn about its unique form, function, and the role it has played in hunting and companionship. The long-awaited Pointing Dogs Volume Two: The English and Irish Breeds by Craig Koshyk has finally hit shelves. Inside, readers can explore in-depth information about Pointers, setters, and the overall development of bird dogs across the pond. Koshyk features an entire chapter about Irish Red Setters alone; let’s take a peek inside. Listen to more articles on Apple |&nbs ..read more

GDV, also known as twisted stomach or bloat, disproportionately affects hunting dogs. Here’s what you need to know to prevent and recognize this deadly condition. As dog owners, we have all heard of bloat, twisted stomach, or, as your veterinarian would say, GDV. GDV stands for gastric dilatation-volvulus. This urgent medical condition occurs when a dog’s stomach fills with gas, food, or fluid and twists. This condition develops with almost no warning, can progress rapidly, and is always an emergency. Remember that “bloat” doesn’t always indicate a twisted stomach, or GDV, because bloat can be ..read more

Labrador Retrievers are used to hunt invasive pythons through scent detection, protecting the threatened Everglades ecosystem. The Florida Everglades represents a unique ecosystem not presently found anywhere else in the world. The subtropical wetland is the largest ecosystem in North America, a natural habitat for a diversity of species you won’t see anywhere else: countless aquatic birds; numerous endangered species such as the manatee, Florida panther, and American crocodile; and a slew of mammals that have been untouched other than by natural predators. It is the only place you’ll see an a ..read more

The Youth Field Trial Alliance was established to promote and support youth participation in sporting dogs, wingshooting, and the traditions of field trialing in North America. Kids and dogs. It’s a timeless combination. Humans have had an inexplicable connection to “man’s best friend” dating back as far as 20,000 years, according to scientific evidence revealing when domestication of wild canids began. Social media, online games, cell phones, and whatever comes next will not break that bond, though it may lie dormant at times. Let’s narrow it down to kids and sporting dogs. Let’s assume you a ..read more

Handling, reading, and trusting your dog go a long way in improving your odds during this season when hunting pheasants. Each fall, pheasants draw attention from hunters across the country. Their parrot-like colors strike awe in any bird hunter. Thousands of these beautiful birds are harvested during the first few days of the season. Most birds packed out during opening weekend are young birds born months before the orange army started marching.  Listen to more articles on Apple | Google | Spotify | Audible There are two reasons young birds represent th ..read more