Blaze: The Dog Who Set the Standard

Every hunter has that one dog — the one that changes everything. For Drew, that dog was Blaze, a German Shorthair whose perseverance, temperament, and sheer love for the hunt carved out a legacy that will never fade. Blaze wasn’t just another bird dog in the field; he became the measuring stick by which every future dog will be judged.

From his earliest hunts, Blaze showed an uncanny ability to read the land, lock onto birds with laser focus, and stay steady no matter the conditions. But what truly set him apart wasn’t just his skill — it was his heart. Blaze hunted with a mix of grit and grace, teaching Drew lessons in patience, resilience, and the importance of never giving up.

As the years passed, Blaze became more than a hunting partner; he became part of the family’s fabric, woven into traditions that stretched back to Drew’s grandfather and his old shotgun. Each hunt with Blaze carried echoes of the past and promises for the future, binding together generations through the rhythm of the field.

Now, as Blaze enters the twilight of his life, his influence only grows stronger. His perseverance and loyalty have left an indelible mark — not just on Drew and Carson, but on everyone who shared time in the field with him. Every new pup that joins the family will carry a piece of Blaze’s standard, a quiet reminder of the kind of dog that doesn’t come around often.

Blaze wasn’t perfect, but maybe that’s exactly what made him so unforgettable. In his drive, his determination, and his devotion, he set the bar for what a true hunting companion should be. And for Drew, Blaze will forever be “the dog” — the one against which all others are measured.

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In this episode, Jared Knipper interviews John, a passionate bird hunter and dog owner, who shares his journey with his first Brittany Spaniel, Laker. The conversation explores the deep bond between hunters and their dogs, the evolution of hunting experiences over the years, and the unique lifestyle that bird hunting entails. John recounts memorable hunts, the challenges faced in the field, and the joy of training and naming his dogs. The episode concludes with reflections on the future of hunting and the legacy left by beloved hunting companions.

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In this episode of Bird Dog Tails, Jared shares the story of his very first English Springer Spaniel—a field-bred powerhouse who left behind memories as wild and unforgettable as the hunts themselves.

From his NASCAR-style quartering and obsession with carving turns, to two legendary doubles—one on roosters, one on quail—this dog lived to put on a show. You’ll hear about the day he squared up with a badger a fog-covered hunt that turned into a story for the ages.

This isn’t just a tale of birds and retrieves; it’s about grit, loyalty, and the kind of dog that changes how you hunt—and how you remember the hunt.

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Listen in to an introduction to Bird Dog Tails—who we are, how we got here, and our why. From the first bird dogs that shaped our journey, to the flushes that hooked us for life, to the friendships and stories carried along fence rows and field edges—this is where our passion for dogs, upland hunting, and the outdoors comes to life. Join us as we share the tales that define a lifestyle, celebrate the dogs that make it possible, and explore the deeper lessons they teach us about care, connection, and awe.

In this episode of Bird Dog Tales, host Jared Knipper and his friends discuss the remarkable journey of Totem, the first field bred English Springer Spaniel owned by Bob Knipper. They share memorable hunting stories, training experiences, and the deep bond formed between dogs and their trainers. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced in dog training, the importance of understanding dog behavior, and the excitement of preparing for upcoming hunting