Hunt Test Hobo Podcast

In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, Chris sits down with amateur retriever legend Ron Anderson. With 30 years in the game, Ron shares his journey from a farm in Louisiana to training multi-crowned champions like Smoke and Rip. They talk about what it takes to succeed in SRS, hunt tests, and field trials while balancing a day job and family. Ron reflects on building dogs from the ground up, the difference between male and...

In Part 2 of our conversation with legendary trainer Bill Hillman, we dive deeper into the philosophy and technical wisdom behind creating confident, decision-making retrievers. Bill discusses his approach to handling on marks—especially water cheats—and the importance of letting dogs commit to a mistake before correcting it. We explore topics like building experience through repetition, why orange bumpers can teach better than whi...

In this special two-part series, host Chris Rud sits down with the legendary Bill Hillman, one of the most influential figures in the retriever training world. In Part 1, Bill opens up about his unlikely beginnings—from sneaking a $6 dog out of the humane society to pioneering in-home dog training in the 70s. With trademark wisdom and humor, Bill discusses what shaped his philosophy on dog behavior, the critical importance of clari...

In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, host Chris Rud welcomes Jason Pflasterer, a passionate handler from Nebraska whose journey took him from hunting the Platte River to competing on the biggest stages in the retriever world. Jason shares how he was inspired by ESPN’s Great Outdoor Games, found his once-in-a-lifetime dog Cash, and built a championship-caliber team through relentless dedication and a love for the game. Fro...

What happens when a retriever trainer’s meticulously customized dog trailer is stolen in the middle of the night? You get one of the wildest episodes yet. In this installment of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, Chris Rud sits down with Andrew Quintana to unpack the incredible true story of how his six-hole Ainley-topper trailer was swiped right out of his front yard. From a suspicious bark in the night, to a high-speed chase through Ten...

In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, Chris sits down with pro trainer Tyler Brenner for an unfiltered and entertaining conversation covering everything from golden retrievers in the Grand to the surprising history of Labradors as ship dogs. They discuss the instincts behind a great retriever, the nuances of pressure and motivation in training, and what it takes to be the "King of the Fluffies." You'll also ...

In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, Chris sits down with Zac Patrick to talk about two unforgettable journeys—one built in the training field, the other across the icy waters of Alaska. Zac shares the story behind his Hall of Fame dog Jett, a yellow male with four Grand passes and a presence that turns heads. Then the conversation shifts to a truly rare opportunity: Zac and his father’s once-in-a-lifetime Emperor goose h...

In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, Chris sits down with the one and only Clark Kennington for a deep dive into the Spring Grand, what separates good dogs from great ones, and how to define the elusive "it" factor. Clark opens up about his recent run—passing 11 of 15 dogs—while breaking down challenging series, weather variables, and his mental preparation on test day.

From nerding out on spreadsheets to reflect...

In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, host Chris Rudd sits down with Minnesota’s own Jeff Brezee—a true student of the retriever game who’s done it all. From growing up as a bird boy in field trials to earning SRS podium finishes, breeding top-tier Labradors, and mentoring his wife into the sport, Jeff shares decades of insight and stories.

They dive into the evolution of training tactics, the joys and heartbreaks of breedi...

In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, host Chris Rudd sits down with Jake Stinson and Bill Schaefer for a wide-ranging, honest, and often hilarious conversation about life in the retriever world. From Bill’s unlikely journey with a Lab-Chesapeake cross named Bomber—who became a rare mixed-breed Grand Champion—to Jake’s start training his first dog on crutches in his mom’s backyard, this episode is packed with real stories ...

In this special solo episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, I share the story of how Winter earned her QA2 title at our latest Qual. From the long training days and unexpected setbacks to a standout water series that she smoked. I walk you through the entire experience. I also break down five key tips for anyone preparing to run a Qual, especially if you're coming from the hunt test side. Whether you're chasing ribbons or...

In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, we dive deep into the critical skill of marking with seasoned pro trainer Dan Ihrke. Dan unpacks what makes a great marking dog, from visual focus and memory to factors like terrain, timing, and training setups. With his no-nonsense approach and decades of experience, Dan shares practical strategies for developing marking skills that hold up under pressure. Whether you're running ...

In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, Chris Rud sits down with his mentor Dan Ihrke for an in-depth conversation about one of the most critical — and misunderstood — parts of retriever training: force fetch. They break down every step of the process, from fun fetch foundations to solving tough problems like the dreaded "hover" at the line. Dan shares insights on energy control, teaching avoidance learning, and wh...

In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, Chris Rud sits down with rising retriever star Leah Spivey to dive deep into her incredible journey through the hunt test and SRS world. From her early days hunting with family to working alongside top trainers like Justin Hergert and Owen Hall, Leah shares how she transitioned from being a casual dog lover to one of the sport’s most consistent amateur handlers.
They talk about her...

In this episode of The Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, host Chris Rud welcomes members of his training group — Bill Chittenden, Josh Munson, and a late drop-in from Tyler Brenner — to reflect on their recent HRC Judges Seminar experience and share key takeaways for handlers and aspiring judges alike. From misinterpreted rules to lighthearted debates about touching your dog before calling "ready," it's an insightful look into...

In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, we sit down with Lenny Gums, an HRC judge, amateur retriever trainer, and the man behind one of the most unique missions in the dog world—finding and rescuing lost dogs using drones. Lenny shares how his passion for retrievers led him into judging and training, but it’s his rescue work that truly sets him apart. Lenny walks us through the emotional highs, technical challenges, and unfo...

In this episode of The Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, we sit down with John, the winner of the prestigious Amateur Crown Championship. John takes us through his incredible journey to the top, sharing the challenges, strategies, and key moments that led to his big win. From the dedication it takes to compete at the highest level to the training philosophies that shaped his success, this conversation is packed with valuable insights for any...

The Hunt Test Hobo Podcast is back! In this Season 2 premiere, host Chris Rud sits down with retriever training powerhouse Clark Kennington to talk about the highs and lows of last season, the evolution of retriever training, and what it takes to build a champion. Clark shares insights on balancing pressure and praise, adjusting training methods for different dogs, and the lessons learned from the Master National and The Crown. Plu...

In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo podcast, I sit down with five-time Crown Champion Mike Gibson to discuss his favorite drills for preparing retrievers for competition. Mike shares invaluable insights into how he uses creative drills to fine-tune his dogs, focusing on alignment, handling, and the critical importance of communication between handler and dog. Whether you're a seasoned handler or just starting out, this episo...