In this episode of the Flatlander Kennels Podcast , Elliott Snider and Chris Jobman sit down for a Q&A session covering some of the most important details in dog training and test handling. Chris breaks down how he communicates with dogs at the line, when to use a verbal back cast, how to fix creeping and popping, and how to teach better swing mechanics. The guys also dive into a hot topic: Are AKC Master tests getting too soft? Chris shares his honest take on the state of judging, weekend t...
Jul 02, 2025•58 min
In this episode, Chris Jobman and Elliott Snider dive into the foundational steps of running cold blinds. Chris breaks down how to set up early cold blind work, body positioning, cast refusals, indirect pressure, and when to start adding complexity. Whether you're on land or water, the key is patience, simplicity, and building confidence. This one’s full of practical advice for both amateurs and seasoned trainers looking to sharpen their blind work.
Jun 18, 2025•49 min•Season 3Ep. 52
Chris Jobman is back from the 2025 Grand, and in this episode we dig into everything that went down—weather challenges, lighting issues, and tough setups that made this one of the hardest Grands yet. Chris breaks down how his training group prepared at Habitat Flats, how his 22 dogs fared, and the little details that made the difference. We talk about Georgie’s progress, the mental toll of big tests, and why even the best dogs sometimes go out early. Chris also shares what it meant to hit 61 Gra...
Jun 04, 2025•46 min•Season 1Ep. 51
In Part 2 of this Flatlander Kennels roundtable, Chris Jobman leads a powerhouse Q&A session alongside Chris Akin (Webfooted Kennels), Eric Teson (Habitat Flats Kennels), and Rhett Riddle (Bay Creek Kennels). These top-tier trainers tackle questions straight from the Flatlander Kennels Podcast Facebook Group, covering topics like: Building confidence in the water Training dogs to fight wind and hold their lines Puppy training philosophy and exposure Marking drills for tighter hunts Auto-cast...
May 20, 2025•54 min•Season 1Ep. 50
In this powerhouse episode of The Flatlander Kennels Podcast , Chris Jobman is joined by an all-star panel of elite retriever trainers to talk all things Spring Grand. You’ll hear from: Chris Akin of Webfooted Kennels (Jonesboro, AR) Rhett Riddle of Bay Creek Kennels (Hartsville, SC) Eric Teson of Habitat Flats Kennels (MO) Together, this group holds over 400 Grand passes and decades of experience. They dive deep into preparation strategies, mental challenges, changes in the event over time, jud...
May 14, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Season 1Ep. 49
What separates a good dog handler from a great one? In this episode, Chris Jobman and Elliott Snider sit down with Rhett Riddle and Dave Marsteller to break down what it really takes to grow as a handler. From timing whistles to reading lead changes, developing routines to staying calm under pressure — this conversation is packed with insight for both amateurs and pros looking to get better at the line.
Apr 30, 2025•1 hr 30 min•Season 1Ep. 48
In this episode of the Flatlander Kennels Podcast, Chris Jobman and Elliott sit down with longtime friend and retired Air Force veteran John Michael Rohl (aka “Jim”) to relive the wild ride that turned an $800 newspaper puppy into a decorated champion retriever. From their first meeting through a message board in 2008, to Deke becoming a four-time Grand Hunting Retriever Champion and SRS finalist, this episode is full of laughs, lessons, and legendary stories. They dive into how Jim transitioned...
Apr 09, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 47
In this episode of the Flatlander Kennels Podcast, Chris Jobman and Elliott continue the flow chart series with a deep dive into water pattern blinds —how they differ from land pattern blinds, the concepts to teach first, when to use the e-collar, and how to build a thinking, confident dog in the water. Then they shift gears into a Q&A session, tackling listener-submitted questions about simulated flyers, bucket drills, interrupted triples, master test prep, and more. Whether you’re training...
Mar 26, 2025•49 min•Season 1Ep. 46
In Episode #45 of the Flatlander Kennels Podcast, Chris Jobman breaks down the next step in his retriever training flowchart—Land Pattern Blinds. Chris shares his detailed approach to building handling skills, maintaining momentum, and developing a confident, team-oriented retriever. He explains why pattern blinds are essential, how to avoid common training mistakes, and why handling is more important than lining. Plus, Elliott and Chris answer listener questions on training drive in British Lab...
Mar 19, 2025•50 min•Season 1Ep. 44
In this episode, Elliott and Chris Jobman are joined by professional retriever trainer Rhett Riddle of Bay Creek Kennels for a deep-dive Q&A session. They tackle listener-submitted questions on post-hunting season training, handling drills, avoiding injuries, and getting dogs back in top shape for hunt tests. If you’re looking for expert insights and practical training tips, this episode is a must-listen!
Feb 26, 2025•1 hr 6 min
In this episode, we sit down with Rhett Riddle of Bay Creek Kennels to talk about his incredible journey training retrievers and his historic achievement—becoming the first known handler to have his dog, Crown, retrieve every recognized species of waterfowl in North America. From his early days training bomb dogs to his deep dive into retriever training, Rhett shares the experiences, challenges, and unforgettable moments that shaped his career. We cover everything from hunting King Eiders in Gre...
Feb 12, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Season 1Ep. 41
Summary In this episode of the Flatlander Kennels podcast, Chris Jobman discusses the intricacies of pattern blind casting for retrievers. He explains the three-legged pattern drill, advanced techniques, and the importance of teamwork and handling skills. The conversation also covers how to address cast refusals, the structure of training sessions, and the balance between challenging the dog and managing mental stress. This comprehensive guide aims to help dog owners and trainers enhance their r...
Dec 04, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 39
In this episode of the Flatlander Kennels podcast, Chris Jobman discusses the transition from the Grand event to hunting season, sharing insights on daily routines, hunting experiences, and the training of dogs. He reflects on the recent Grand event, highlighting the pass rates and notable achievements of various dogs, including the challenges faced during training, particularly with sticking issues. The conversation emphasizes the importance of maintaining a calm demeanor during training and th...
Nov 20, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 41
In this episode of the Flatliner Kennels podcast, Chris Jobman and Elliott discuss various dog training techniques, focusing on the flow chart method. They delve into the D-cheat technique, the importance of communication in training, and introduce two key drills: the Wagon Wheel and Spin Drill. The conversation emphasizes the significance of building a strong handler-dog relationship and the need for patience and clarity in training. Common pitfalls in training are also addressed, providing lis...
Oct 23, 2024•51 min
In this episode of the Flatlander Kennels podcast, hosts Elliott and Chris catch up after a break, discussing their recent hunting experiences, particularly focusing on the Master National and the upcoming Grand. They share insights on the challenges faced during the Master National, the preparation for the Grand, and the excitement of the hunting season ahead. The conversation also includes a Q&A segment where they address questions from their Facebook group, providing valuable information ...
Oct 17, 2024•50 min
Summary In this Q&A session, Chris Jobman answers various questions related to dog training. Topics discussed include correcting popping on water blinds, incorporating a flyer in AKC training, altering training for big events, handling popping on water blinds, training a dog to push through the scent of a duck, and swapping hands with the gun during training and tests.
Aug 14, 2024•38 min
Summary In this episode of the Flatlander Kennels podcast, Chris Jobman discusses the D Cheat drill, which is a method for teaching dogs to stay in the water and not run the bank when retrieving. The drill involves throwing a bumper into a pond and gradually moving it closer to the bank, while using low-level stimulation to correct the dog if it tries to cheat. Chris emphasizes the importance of not making the stimulation too hot, as it can cause the dog to become fearful or seek water instead o...
Aug 07, 2024•27 min
In this episode, Chris Jobman critiques Georgie's performance in the hunt test season and provides feedback on areas for improvement. He emphasizes the need for better control and obedience, as well as establishing a clear hierarchy between Chris and Georgie. Chris suggests implementing stricter rules and boundaries in everyday interactions, such as making Georgie wait for commands before exiting doors or eating. He also recommends incorporating obedience sessions before hunts or tests to reinfo...
Jul 31, 2024•1 hr 3 min
In this episode of the Flatlander Kennels podcast, hosts Elliott and Chris Jobman are joined by pro trainers Eric Teson and Dave Marsteller for a roundtable discussion on dog training and the Master National event. The group dives into the intricacies of preparing dogs for high-stakes competitions, debating training techniques, and discussing the impact of different testing standards. They share personal experiences and tackle issues such as handling pressure, maintaining consistency, and addres...
Jul 24, 2024•1 hr 14 min
In this conversation, Chris Jobman and Elliott discuss upcoming hunt tests and the qualifications needed for the Master National. They also address training challenges, such as the left angle back and finding bumpers at a distance. They answer questions about the necessity of the double T drill and when to move on from the T pattern. They also touch on dog injuries and recovery methods. In this conversation, Chris Jobman discusses various topics related to dog training and care. He talks about t...
Jul 17, 2024•41 min
In this conversation, Chris Jobman discusses the process of teaching a dog to stop and sit in the water using a whistle. He explains the steps involved in water forcing and how to train the dog to tread water. He also covers the concept of swim by, which involves teaching the dog to swim back and forth across a pond. Chris emphasizes the importance of building a solid foundation and following a step-by-step process in dog training. He also highlights the challenges faced by amateurs in finding s...
Jul 10, 2024•52 min
In this episode, Chris Jobman and Elliott answer various dog training questions. They emphasize the importance of providing detailed information when asking for advice. They also discuss the idea of opening up their Q&A sessions to live audience participation. The main training topics covered include improving a dog's casting with angles in water, addressing ping-ponging behavior on blinds, and preventing scalloping and dig backs on water blinds. Chris advises using corrections and holding a...
Jul 03, 2024•43 min
In this conversation, Chris Jobman and Elliott discuss their recent experiences with dog training and hunting. They talk about Chris's busy schedule at his kennel, including upcoming tests and qualifications for the Master National. They also discuss the beauty of the Sandhills and their hunting experiences there. Elliott shares his experiences at the HRC event and his training challenges with his dog Georgie. Chris provides advice on how to improve Georgie's obedience and control. They also dis...
Jun 26, 2024•43 min
In this episode, Chris Jobman and Dave Marsteller answer questions from the Facebook group about dog training and judging in HRC and AKC tests. They discuss topics such as how judges determine the difficulty of a test based on the participants, what factors they consider when deciding whether a dog passes or fails, and how they set up tests differently based on the time of year. They also compare the rules and regulations of HRC and AKC tests and share their opinions on various aspects of both o...
Jun 12, 2024•48 min
In this episode, Chris Jobman brings on his friend Dave Marsteller, a judge of HRC and AKC hunt tests. They discuss various topics related to judging, including different types of tests, the challenges of judging, and the importance of understanding the dog's perspective. They also share stories from their training sessions and highlight the importance of effective communication and correction techniques. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the need for patience, understanding, and adapt...
Jun 05, 2024•57 min
In this episode, Chris Jobman brings on his friend Dave Marsteller, a judge of HRC and AKC hunt tests. They discuss various topics related to judging, including different types of tests, the challenges of judging, and the importance of understanding the dog's perspective. They also share stories from their training sessions and highlight the importance of effective communication and correction techniques. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the need for patience, understanding, and adapt...
May 29, 2024•45 min
Summary In this episode, Chris Jobman answers questions about handling on blinds and factors to consider when giving verbal or silent casts. He emphasizes the importance of using voice commands for changing direction and silent casts for maintaining momentum. Chris also discusses the use of verbal and nonverbal communication cues from the holding blind to the blind, lining up for marks, recognizing poison birds, and handling obstacles. He emphasizes the need for clear and consistent commands and...
May 22, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 27
In this episode, Elliott and Chris discuss Elliott's first AKC event and the differences between AKC and HRC tests. They talk about the difficulty level of AKC tests and the variation in test difficulty depending on the judges and grounds. Elliott shares his experience in the event and the challenges he faced, including handling mistakes and cheating. Chris provides guidance on how to handle tight marking setups and the importance of dictating where the dog should go. In this conversation, Ellio...
May 15, 2024•40 min
In this episode, Chris Jobman answers various questions related to dog training. He provides advice on how to handle a dog that is struggling with marking, emphasizing the importance of simplifying training and building the dog's confidence. He also discusses techniques for improving a dog's focus during heel work, fine-tuning lining up for blind retrieves, and balancing training for test environments versus hunting environments. Chris emphasizes the need for common sense and using different app...
May 08, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Chris Jobman returns from the Grand and discusses his experience. The conversation covers various topics related to the Grand, including points, dogs, judges, and weather.
May 01, 2024•36 min•Season 1Ep. 40
