Episodes

  • Preventing Injuries in Canine Athletes

    Preventing Injuries in Canine Athletes
    Oct 30 2024

    For this episode, I am joined by Dr. Carol Gillis, a rehab veterinarian and ultrasound specialist based in Aiken, South Carolina. Dr. Gillis has many years of experience helping horses and dogs recover from injuries, including my vizsla, Zara! She shares invaluable insights and unique strategies to keep canine athletes in peak condition. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or just starting out, this conversation is full of tips to prevent injuries in hunt test, field trial, and hunting dogs.

    You can reach Dr. Gillis through her website: equineultrasound.com.

    The Supreme Top Form joint supplement is available at panamvetcorp.com.

    The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by OnX Hunt and Boss Shotshells. We are part of the HerUpland Podcast Network.
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    52 mins
  • Zara's Iliopsoas Injury and Recovery

    Zara's Iliopsoas Injury and Recovery
    Oct 16 2024

    Zara was diagnosed with a major injury early this year – bilateral iliopsoas strains/tears. In this episode, I talk about how she went from being an extremely active 10 year old dog to a rehab patient having to endure months of restricted exercise and rehab. It was a tough process for both of us but thankfully she is doing much better now. I discuss how I think the injury originated and everything I did to help her recover. This episode sets the stage for the next one which will cover prevention of injury for canine athletes.

    The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by OnX Hunt and Boss Shotshells. We are part of the HerUpland Podcast Network.
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    47 mins
  • Scouting in Field Trials

    Scouting in Field Trials
    Oct 2 2024
    Experienced horse trainer and field trialer Meredith Mays joins me to discuss the art of scouting in American Field/UKC and AKC field trials. Meredith provides insight on a scout's responsibilities, the characteristics that make a good scout, and what makes a dog challenging to scout for. Meredith is passionate about encouraging people new to field trials and making the sport enjoyable for everyone. If you'd like to reach out to Meredith, find her on Facebook. The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by OnX Hunt and Boss Shotshells. We are part of the HerUpland Podcast Network.
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    49 mins
  • Dealing with Success

    Dealing with Success
    Sep 18 2024
    This is the companion to the previous episode, Dealing with Failure. It might seem weird to talk about "dealing" with success, because, after all, isn't success a good thing in the context of dog sports? But success is not always as straightforward as you might think.

    The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by OnX Hunt and Boss Shotshells. We are part of the HerUpland Podcast Network.
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    24 mins
  • Dealing with Failure

    Dealing with Failure
    Aug 28 2024

    If you're participate in hunting events long enough with your bird dog, "failure" is inevitable – meaning, not passing a test, earning a placement, or failing to meet your expectations. In this episode, I talk about some failures I've experienced and how I dealt with them. Realizing how to learn from failure and using it to make you and your dog better is important.

    Hopefully this episode will provide some useful tips for the next time you're dealing with some disappointment after competing with your dog.

    The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by OnX Hunt and Boss Shotshells. We are part of the HerUpland Podcast Network.
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    34 mins
  • The Versatile Hunting Dog Federation: Test Details

    The Versatile Hunting Dog Federation: Test Details
    Aug 14 2024
    This episode is part 2 going into detail about the Versatile Hunting Dog Federation (VHDF). Kyle Hough chats with me about the three levels of testing and what is required at each level. While the tests have similarities to the NAVHDA and JGHV systems, there are distinct differences. You can contact Kyle through the Northeast chapter of the VHDF. Visit https://northeastvhdf.wildapricot.org/

    The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by OnX Hunt and Boss Shotshells. We are part of the HerUpland Podcast Network.

    You can find me on the following platforms:

    Instagram | Facebook | Website

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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • The Versatile Hunting Dog Federation Overview

    The Versatile Hunting Dog Federation Overview
    Jul 31 2024
    Jeff Funke joins me to discuss the VHDF, an organization that was founded in 2007 with the intention to take the best parts of existing testing systems and make a series of tests that really reflected the versatile hunting dog in North America. The VHDF's scoring system allows for a lot of nuance and is able to highlight exceptional dogs, which is a plus for breeders who are trying to breed better hunting dogs. You can contact Jeff via email jfunke3dk@gmail.com. For more information about the VHDF, visit https://versatilehuntingdogfederation.wildapricot.org.

    The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by OnX Hunt and Boss Shotshells. We are part of the HerUpland Podcast Network.

    You can find me on the following platforms:

    Instagram | Facebook | Website

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Weimaraner Club of America Shooting Ratings Tests

    Weimaraner Club of America Shooting Ratings Tests
    Jul 17 2024
    Gretchen Stephenson joins me again to talk about the Shooting Ratings tests for Weimaraners. These field events were developed in the 1950s as a way to objectively evaluate the hunting skills of Weimaraners and are put on by the Weimaraner Club of America. AKC's hunting tests for all pointing breeds were actually based on these tests! There are distinct differences, however, which we discuss. You can get in touch with Gretchen on Facebook, via email at gretchen.stephenson@gmail.com or view her website at caninemannersandmore.com.

    The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is sponsored by OnX Hunt, Boss Shotshells, and Toyota. We are part of the HerUpland Podcast Network.

    You can find me on the following platforms:

    Instagram | Facebook | Website

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    37 mins