In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, host Chris Rud welcomes Jason Pflasterer, a passionate handler from Nebraska whose journey took him from hunting the Platte River to competing on the biggest stages in the retriever world. Jason shares how he was inspired by ESPN’s Great Outdoor Games, found his once-in-a-lifetime dog Cash, and built a championship-caliber team through relentless dedication and a love for the game. From tackling the Grand to placing high in the Crown, Jason talks ab...
Jul 01, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Season 2Ep. 34
What happens when a retriever trainer’s meticulously customized dog trailer is stolen in the middle of the night? You get one of the wildest episodes yet. In this installment of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, Chris Rud sits down with Andrew Quintana to unpack the incredible true story of how his six-hole Ainley-topper trailer was swiped right out of his front yard. From a suspicious bark in the night, to a high-speed chase through Tennessee backroads, to a helicopter and K-9-assisted manhunt that e...
Jun 24, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Season 2Ep. 33
In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, Chris sits down with pro trainer Tyler Brenner for an unfiltered and entertaining conversation covering everything from golden retrievers in the Grand to the surprising history of Labradors as ship dogs. They discuss the instincts behind a great retriever, the nuances of pressure and motivation in training, and what it takes to be the "King of the Fluffies." You'll also hear Tyler's thoughts on what traits make for a dog worth breeding. From thick L...
Jun 17, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Season 2Ep. 32
In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast , Chris sits down with Zac Patrick to talk about two unforgettable journeys—one built in the training field, the other across the icy waters of Alaska. Zac shares the story behind his Hall of Fame dog Jett, a yellow male with four Grand passes and a presence that turns heads. Then the conversation shifts to a truly rare opportunity: Zac and his father’s once-in-a-lifetime Emperor goose hunt in the remote Aleutian Islands. From retriever training insi...
Jun 10, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Season 2Ep. 31
In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, Chris sits down with the one and only Clark Kennington for a deep dive into the Spring Grand , what separates good dogs from great ones, and how to define the elusive "it" factor . Clark opens up about his recent run—passing 11 of 15 dogs—while breaking down challenging series, weather variables, and his mental preparation on test day. From nerding out on spreadsheets to reflecting on dogs who win when it matters, this episode blends gritty insights...
Jun 03, 2025•52 min•Season 2Ep. 30
In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, host Chris Rudd sits down with Minnesota’s own Jeff Brezee—a true student of the retriever game who’s done it all. From growing up as a bird boy in field trials to earning SRS podium finishes, breeding top-tier Labradors, and mentoring his wife into the sport, Jeff shares decades of insight and stories. They dive into the evolution of training tactics, the joys and heartbreaks of breeding, and what it really means to build a family-centered retrieve...
May 27, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 2Ep. 29
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...
May 20, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 28
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...
May 13, 2025•56 min•Season 2Ep. 27
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 v...
May 06, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 2Ep. 26
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 ...
Apr 29, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 25
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 Hergert 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 compet...
Apr 22, 2025•52 min•Season 2Ep. 24
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 div...
Apr 15, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Season 2Ep. 23
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...
Apr 08, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 22
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 aspirin...
Apr 01, 2025•46 min•Season 2Ep. 21
The Hunt Test Hobo Podcast is back! In this Season 2 premiere, host Chris Rud sits down with retriever training powerhouse Clark Kennington to talk about the highs and lows of last season, the evolution of retriever training, and what it takes to build a champion. Clark shares insights on balancing pressure and praise, adjusting training methods for different dogs, and the lessons learned from the Master National and The Crown. Plus, a little bourbon talk and some fun waterfowl debates. Tune in ...
Mar 25, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Season 2Ep. 20
In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo podcast, I sit down with five-time Crown Champion Mike Gibson to discuss his favorite drills for preparing retrievers for competition. Mike shares invaluable insights into how he uses creative drills to fine-tune his dogs, focusing on alignment, handling, and the critical importance of communication between handler and dog. Whether you're a seasoned handler or just starting out, this episode is packed with strategies that will take your training to the next ...
Oct 09, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Season 1Ep. 19
Jeff Coats, waterfowl guide and decoy carver, joins the show to share his experiences in the field. Learn how he balances hunting, retriever training, and his craft, as well as tips for the upcoming season.
Oct 02, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 18
In this episode, Chris Rud welcomes Bob Owens from the popular Lone Duck Gun Dog Chronicles podcast. They dive into Bob’s journey from starting his podcast to becoming a professional retriever trainer, sharing tips on transitioning dogs from hunt tests to field trials. Bob breaks down the key differences between Master-level hunt tests and the challenges of qualifying field trials, offering practical advice on preparing for national events. They also discuss strategies for peaking your dog’s per...
Sep 25, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 17
In this episode, host Chris Rud is joined by retriever trainer Jeremy Legge of Hickory Hills Retrievers for an in-depth discussion on preparing for the Grand. Despite both Chris and Jeremy not running this year's Grand, they break down the essential steps and tips for ensuring your dog is ready for the challenge. From mastering down-the-shore blinds to handling in tough water, managing distractions, and honing gun-swing techniques, the duo shares their personal experiences and practical advice. ...
Sep 18, 2024•51 min•Season 1Ep. 16
In this episode, host Chris Rud sits down with Mike Herd, the marketing and PR specialist for the AKC Master Amateur Retriever Club, as they dive deep into the world of retriever competitions. Mike shares stories from his career as a broadcast meteorologist and amateur dog trainer, offering insights on the differences between the Master National and the Master Amateur Invitational. They discuss the training and preparation needed for national-level events, along with tips for balancing professio...
Sep 11, 2024•51 min•Season 1Ep. 15
In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast , host Chris Rud welcomes Jim Templeton, an Arkansas-based amateur retriever trainer. The conversation kicks off with Chris sharing his recent life changes, including a job transition and a chaotic move, before diving into Jim's journey in dog training. Jim shares how he got started in retriever training in the early 1990s, his experiences in balancing hunting with family life, and the evolution of his training methods over the years. They discuss th...
Sep 04, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 14
In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, Chris Rud sits down with Barton Ramsey of Southern Oak Kennels to dive deep into one of the most talked-about topics in the retriever world: the debate between American Bred Labradors and British Bred Labradors. They discuss the key differences between the two, exploring how breeding, temperament, and training methods influence a dog's performance. The conversation also touches on the importance of understanding the standards of testing and trialing...
Aug 28, 2024•2 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 13
In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, Chris Rud sits down with Elliot Snider, an amateur handler with a unique background in the gundog world. Elliot shares his journey from discovering retriever training to navigating the complexities of the sport. They dive deep into the challenges and triumphs of balancing family life with the demands of training top-notch retrievers. Elliot also offers valuable insights into his training philosophy, the importance of patience, and how his experience...
Aug 21, 2024•1 hr 28 min•Season 1Ep. 12
In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, Chris Rud sits down with renowned retriever trainer Steve Earick to delve into the advanced techniques and methodologies that have made him a leader in the field. Steve shares his journey, the philosophies that guide his training, and practical tips for handlers at all levels. From understanding a dog’s psychology to refining training routines, this conversation offers a wealth of knowledge for anyone looking to elevate their retriever’s performance...
Aug 14, 2024•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 11
Welcome to another exciting episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast! In this episode, host Chris Rud is joined by the insightful and experienced Clark Kennington. As a recurring guest and a well-respected figure in the retriever training community, Clark shares his journey to the Master National, offering invaluable tips and stories from the field. Tune in as Clark and Chris discuss the intricacies of retriever training, from the challenges faced at the Jim Manson SRS to the strategic preparations...
Aug 07, 2024•44 min•Season 1Ep. 10
In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, host Chris Rud sits down with amateur trainer John Robertson for an in-depth discussion on retriever training. John shares his journey from dabbling in retriever training to achieving multiple prestigious titles with his dogs. They delve into the nuances of various retriever competitions, the importance of thorough training, and the lessons learned from early amateur mistakes. Whether you're a seasoned handler or just starting out, this episode offe...
Jul 31, 2024•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 9
In this special replay episode, Chris Rud, the host of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, shares his story and journey in the hunt test game as a guest on Barton Ramsey's podcast, The Lab. Dive into an in-depth conversation where Chris talks about his unique nickname "Hunt Test Hobo," his approach to retriever training, and the adventures that come with being an amateur handler. This episode also offers a glimpse into Chris's background, his transition from youth pastor to film company owner, and his p...
Jul 24, 2024•2 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 8
In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, host Chris Rud sits down with Tyler Brenner, a dedicated and passionate young professional in the retriever training world. Tyler shares his journey from a teenager intrigued by hunting and animals to becoming a seasoned pro, working closely with renowned trainer Dan Ihrke. They delve into the challenges and triumphs of retriever training, the importance of having a solid hunting background, and the invaluable lessons learned from countless hours in...
Jul 17, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Season 1Ep. 7
In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, host Chris Rud sits down with the legendary Dan Ihrke to delve into the intricacies of upland game training and testing. Dan shares his remarkable journey, including his unprecedented 420 consecutive upland passes. They discuss the evolution of his training techniques, the significance of discipline in upland hunting, and how to successfully prepare for HRC upland tests. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned trainer, this episode offers invaluable i...
Jul 10, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 6
In Episode 5 of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, host Chris Rud sits down with his good friend and amateur retriever trainer, Drew Cronk. Drew, a dedicated deer hunter turned passionate retriever enthusiast, shares his journey from acquiring his first dog, Kimber, to diving headfirst into the world of dog training and hunt tests. Drew discusses the challenges and rewards of training his retriever, Favor, aiming for a seasoned level title and beyond. Throughout the episode, Drew and Chris delve into v...
Jul 03, 2024•1 hr 35 min•Season 1Ep. 5
