EP 24: Dog "Jockey" Leah Spivey

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 champion dog Kane, learning to "jockey" dogs in high-pressure competitions, the critical importance of reading a dog's body language, and the value of surrounding yourself with a great team. Plus, Leah gives a behind-the-scenes look at balancing a career with her passion for dogs, her growing pack of six retrievers, and why she's passionate about supporting youth handlers in the sport.
Get ready for a candid, inspiring conversation packed with practical tips, a few laughs, and a whole lot of heart.