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PODCAST

The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast

Terry Ann Fernando

The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast focuses on hunting dog events and competitions for pointing breeds and is intended to inspire and encourage other dog owners to do more with their dogs.

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All Episodes

01:15:07

Building Engagement to Train Skills for Hunting Dogs

The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast ·

2025/10/29

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

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33:37

Field Trials vs Hunt Tests vs NAVHDA: What Should I...

The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast ·

2025/10/08

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,

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47:27

NAVHDA's Oldest Versatile Champion

The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast ·

2025/09/24

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

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01:00:24

Tales of Accidental Bird Dogs: Adrienne Barber

The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast ·

2025/09/10

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

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42:48

Rule Change: ATVs Approved for Judging AKC Field...

The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast ·

2025/08/27

The AKC just made a major change to field trial rules: judges in walking stakes can now use ATVs and UTVs instead of being required to ride horses. To unpack what this means for the sport, I sit down with Paul Hermes — a Florida-based AKC field trial and hunt test judge — to talk through the impact. Paul is realistic about the situation and in an ideal world, he would prefer to have horses for judging. But he also recognizes the practical challenges: horses are increasingly hard to source, and many

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59:09

Teaching Steadiness to Your Pointing Dog

The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast ·

2025/08/12

Steadiness can be one of the most challenging things to teach to your pointing dog. In this episode, I talk about the general process of teaching steadiness, regardless of the method you are using. I discuss common mistakes I see people making and those I was guilty of with Zara. I also go into detail about the process I'm using to teach Lanka to be steady on birds. Links mentioned in this episode: NAVHDA Aims, Programs, Test Rules booklet, page 44 for the steadiness diagram:

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33:05

Readiness for Testing and Trialing

The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast ·

2025/07/30

How do you figure out if your dog is ready to enter a hunt test or field trial? In this episode, I break down what readiness really means. From evaluating your dog’s skills to assessing your own confidence and long-term goals, I’ll walk you through key questions to ask yourself before signing up. I also share how time constraints and mental preparedness play a role in deciding when to enter—or hold back. I hope you find this episode useful whether you are entering your very first event or an

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01:02:37

Full Time RV Life with Kelli Aitken-Thompson

The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast ·

2025/07/09

In this episode, I sit down with Kelli—an Irish Setter breeder, handler, and passionate field trialer who has fully embraced the bird dog lifestyle. What sets Kelli apart is the adventurous path she and her husband have chosen: living full-time in their RV as they travel the country training, hunting, and competing with their dogs. We talk about how she first got involved with Irish Setters, what sparked her interest in field trials, and what it took to transition to life on the road

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46:51

Getting Picked Up in Field Trials

The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast ·

2025/06/25

So whose dog has gotten picked up in a field trial before?! If you run field trials, it's pretty much inevitable that your dog is going to get picked up at some point, no matter how well trained they are. In this episode, I discuss different ways that can get your dog picked up in AKC field trial gun dog stakes. I also go into detail about Zara's field trial career and explain the times that she has gotten picked up. I've heard from listeners that people like to hear these personal stories and

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01:09:45

Hunting Retriever Club (HRC) Hunt Tests

The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast ·

2025/06/11

In this episode, I’m joined by professional dog trainer Emily Shirey of Horizon Retrievers. Emily brings a wealth of experience running retriever hunt tests with both her German Shorthaired Pointer and her Labrador Retriever. We dive into the Hunting Retriever Club (HRC) test structure, focusing on the Started and Seasoned levels, and break down how these tests work. Emily shares insights on what handlers can expect, how HRC compares to AKC retriever tests, and why the HRC community is such a

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01:08:07

Tales of Accidental Bird Dogs: Vanessa Carmean

The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast ·

2025/05/28

In this episode in my series of Tales of Accidental Bird Dogs, I chat with Vanessa Carmean about the unexpected journey that started with her first German Shorthaired Pointer, Camo. After years with Labradors and a family health scare, Vanessa and her husband chose a pointing breed—though she had no idea what she was getting into. What began as a plan to do a little dove hunting turned into something much bigger. Vanessa shares how Camo’s first Junior Hunter test revealed his natural talent,

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01:11:43

Winning a National Field Trial Championship

The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast ·

2025/05/14

In this week's episode, I interviewed Amanda Gruhn about her incredible win at the German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America's National Amateur Gun Dog Championship this year. Amanda shares the inspiring journey of how she and her dog Penny prepared for this prestigious field trial—from early training techniques to the challenges they overcame along the way. We dive into the strategies that helped make Penny rock-solid in the field, the importance of handling, and how Amanda dealt with her nerves

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25:04

How to Earn AKC Field Champion and Amateur Field...

The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast ·

2025/04/30

In this episode, we dive deep into the path toward earning AKC Field Champion (FC) and Amateur Field Champion (AFC) titles for pointing breeds. I break down the point schedule in detail, explain retrieving credits, and clarify how juvenile points factor into the journey. Plus, we explore the amateur-to-open crossover points. If you're looking for a quick guide of how to earn AKC field trial titles, this is it! The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast covers hunting events for pointing breeds. We

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39:29

The New American Field Sportsman's Journal

The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast ·

2025/04/16

In this episode, I interview Chris Ingram, Marketing Promotions Manager for the United Kennel Club, to talk about the rich legacy of The American Field—a cornerstone publication in the pointing dog world since 1874. We dive into its evolution and the exciting launch of its next chapter: the American Field Sportsman's Journal. This newly revamped 100-page printed magazine honors the 151-year tradition while bringing fresh energy to the stories and heritage of hunting and working dogs. From bird dogs

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53:42

AKC Senior Hunting Tests for Retrievers

The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast ·

2025/04/02

Jerry DeRose, AKC retriever hunt test judge, joins me again to talk about the Senior Hunter level. We discuss the differences between Junior and Senior and what kind of training your dog needs in order to pass the SHR level. These are challenging tests but could be a good option for a pointing dog who is experienced with blind retrieves or has run the NAVHDA Invitational. You can get in touch with Jerry on Facebook at Calm Focused K9s – DeRose Kennels. -- The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast

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37:07

The NAVHDA Gun Dog Test

The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast ·

2025/03/19

Dan Wittman, NAVHDA's Director of Testing, joins me to talk about the new Gun Dog Test, which replaces the Utility Preparatory Test. We discuss how this test is designed to keep NAVHDA members engaged after the Natural Ability level and seems to be a positive change for the organization. Tune in to hear how the Gun Dog Test works and how it's different from the old UPT. To get in touch with Dan, you can email him at testdirector@navhda.org. The revised Aims Programs Test Rules book can be

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01:11:37

Tales of Accidental Bird Dogs: Cristina Ralph

The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast ·

2025/03/05

In the second installment of Tales of Accidental Bird Dogs, we sit down with Cristina Ralph, a passionate dog owner and trainer who’s fully embraced the world of bird dogs. Cristina is the proud owner of three dogs: two German Shorthaired Pointers, Greta and Blaise, and a Deutsch Kurzhaar named Wednesday. Before diving into bird dog training, Cristina spent years working with Siberian Huskies in pulling sports. When she sought a versatile running partner, she found exactly what she was looking for –

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39:19

Cover Dog Trials

The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast ·

2025/02/19

Professional handler and trainer Tammy Chaffee of Pioneer Kennels joins me to talk about Cover Dog trials. These are unique walking field trials run on wild grouse and woodcock under UKC/American Field rules. In this episode, we explore how these trials differ from traditional horseback trials with pen-raised birds, what judges are looking for, and the unpredictable challenges of working in thick cover. You can get in touch with Tammy via her Pioneer Kennels Facebook page. For more information

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59:45

AKC Junior Hunting Tests for Retrievers

The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast ·

2025/02/05

In this episode, we dive into the world of AKC hunting tests for retrievers, with a focus on the Junior level. Originally designed for retriever breeds like Labradors and Goldens, these tests are open to pointing breeds as well. If your dog has a solid retrieve and a strong obedience foundation, they could be a great fit for these tests. I sit down with Jerry DeRose, an experienced AKC hunting test judge from Minnesota, to break down the different components of the test and share tips on how to set

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36:01

Becoming an AKC Hunting Test Judge

The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast ·

2025/01/22

In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of my journey to become an AKC hunting test judge for pointing breeds. I walk through the requirements for becoming a judge, share my experience apprenticing at a recent hunting test, and reflect on the key takeaways from the experience. Tune in for insights into the judging process, what I learned along the way, and why I enjoyed watching the dogs and handlers. In the intro, I mention the scentwork course I am hosting with Tamara from Canine Development

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71 results

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