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 must-listen.

You can find Cristina on Instagram at @gretablaiseandwednesdayaddams or @huntinginharmony. You can reach her by email at huntinginharmony@gmail.com. Her kennel is vom Zamora Deutsch Kurzhaars.

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The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by onX Hunt. We are part of the HerUpland Podcast Network.

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, like what kind of training you enjoy, your dog's natural strengths and weaknesses, and how much you like competition.

Whether you're hoping to earn titles, join a supportive training community, or just give your dog a fun new challenge, this episode will help you find your starting point in the world of pointing dog events.

This episode is also available in written form with links and photos! Check out https://accidentalbirddog.com/field-trials-vs-hunt-tests-vs-navhda-which-should-i-do-with-my-dog/

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The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by onX Hunt. We are part of the HerUpland Podcast Network.

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 the field, Ranger wasn't content to slow down. At age 10, he returned to competition, and Geri decided to give NAVHDA a try. Together, they achieved more than most could dream of.

This conversation is not only about titles and achievements, but also about the bond between handler and dog, perseverance, and what's possible when our bird dogs remain healthy and motivated in their senior years. Ranger has been an inspiration to me personally, especially when I was deciding whether to retire my own dog, Zara, from NAVHDA events.

If you've ever wondered what older dogs are capable of, this episode will leave you inspired.

You can get in touch with Geri at geriorta1@gmail.com.

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The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by onX Hunt. We are part of the HerUpland Podcast Network.

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 hunting and recently got another bird dog, a Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla, named Frankie. We talk about her journey into the bird dog world, how life circumstances slowed down Fig's development a bit, and what she's done differently with Frankie. Adrienne's story is very relatable and I think you will enjoy it!

You can find Adrienne on Instagram at @mostlyfigandfran.

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The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by onX Hunt and Elevate Pet Provisions. We are part of the HerUpland Podcast Network.

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 younger participants don't own them. We discuss the upsides of this shift, the potential challenges it brings, and why, overall, this move could help keep field trials alive and more accessible for the next generation.

You can find Paul on Facebook or email him at phermes1@gmail.com.

My online course: https://accidentalbirddog.learnworlds.com/

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The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by onX Hunt and Elevate Pet Provisions. We are part of the HerUpland Podcast Network.

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: https://www.navhda.org/aims-programs-test-rules/

My upcoming group coaching program: https://accidentalbirddog.com/group-coaching/

My online course: https://accidentalbirddog.learnworlds.com/

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The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by onX Hunt and Elevate Pet Provisions. We are part of the HerUpland Podcast Network.