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 that prove great dogs can come from humble beginnings.

They also dive deep into pre-Grand training stress, the mental side of competition, what separates good dogs from elite ones, and why consistency and heart often beat fancy pedigrees. And yes, you’ll hear the now-legendary story of how Jake’s ATV saved Chris during a bathroom emergency at his first SRS event.

Whether you're an amateur with one dog or a pro running ten, this episode is full of insight, humor, and heart from two handlers who’ve lived it.

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 just curious about what it takes to compete at this level, this episode is packed with insight, reflection, and plenty of real talk from the field.

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 started dogs or fine-tuning finished retrievers, this episode offers valuable insight into the art, science, and mindset behind great marking work.

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 why building success through clear, incremental steps is key. If you’ve ever struggled through force fetch or felt stuck in your training, this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom and practical solutions you can apply right away.

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 Herbert 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.

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 the rulebook and how it applies in the field.

In the second half, the crew dives into the nitty-gritty of group training — the dynamics, challenges, and unspoken code that make it work. Learn how they structure setups for dogs at different levels, the importance of walkie-talkies (or just good ol' AirPods), and how camaraderie, communication, and a little bit of chaos keep their sessions productive and fun.

Whether you're training solo or thinking of joining a group, this episode’s full of practical wisdom, laughs, and a few stories that'll hit home for any handler.

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 unforgettable stories from the field. This episode is about heart, service, and the incredible bond between people and their dogs.

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 anyone passionate about retriever sports. Whether you’re an aspiring competitor or a seasoned handler, you won’t want to miss John’s firsthand account of what it takes to claim a championship title.