The Flatlander Kennels Podcast with Chris Jobman Flatlander Kennels

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 adaptability when working with dogs. Dave and Chris discuss their long-standing friendship and their journey in the world of dog training and judging. Dave shares his background in dogs, including his time in Alaska and his transition to owning labs. They talk about their experiences in hunt tests and the challenges they faced. Dave also talks about his decision to become a judge and the different regions and standards he has encountered. The conversation in this part focuses on the regional differences in judging and testing standards in HRC and AKC. The hosts discuss how certain regions have distinct judging preferences and how this can affect the performance of dogs from different regions. They also talk about the importance of a dog's game traveling and the impact of different terrains on testing. The judges explain the dynamics between judges during a test and how decisions are made. They also discuss line manners, vocalization, and the challenges of setting up a test. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the difficulty level of tests in HRC and AKC and the differences in switching between the two organizations. In this final part of the conversation, Dave and Chris discuss the differences between AKC and HRC hunt tests. They highlight that in HRC, a dog can continue to play even if it doesn't receive a qualifying score, while in AKC, a dog may be immediately dropped. They also discuss the importance of challenging the line to the blind and the common mistakes handlers make, such as not slowing down and grabbing the go bird too quickly. Dave shares his experience of standing behind Bobby George and watching some of the great dogs in the sport. They conclude by mentioning some exceptional dogs they've seen, including Jet, Cooper, Ammo, and Trigger.

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 the importance of teaching dogs to think and make decisions on their own. In this conversation, Chris Jobman and Elliott discuss various topics related to dog training. They cover techniques for handling and lining drills, the use of decoys in training setups, and how to address a dog's fear of water. They also mention the importance of voice commands and foot positioning in training. The conversation ends with a mention of an upcoming episode featuring a judge who will answer questions about what judges look for in tests.

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, Elliott and Chris Jobman discuss Elliott's recent experience at a dog test and the lessons he learned from it. They talk about the importance of trust between handler and dog, the need for effective communication during training, and the challenges of handling in difficult test setups. They also discuss common mistakes that amateur handlers make, such as letting their emotions get the best of them, not blowing the whistle in time, and being spectators instead of actively participating in the test. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of preparation, communication, and maintaining a positive attitude in dog training and handling.

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 approaches based on the specific situation.

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.

In this episode, Chris Jobman and Eric Teson discuss grand preparation and handling nerves at the grand. They share their experiences and insights on what it takes to succeed at the grand level. They emphasize the importance of tough marks, crisp blinds, and overall work in training. They also discuss the significance of teaching dogs to get out of trouble and the last money cast. They advise amateurs to focus on these key areas when preparing for the grand. They also highlight the importance of controlling nerves and tuning out outside noise during the competition. In this part of the conversation, Chris and Eric discuss various topics related to dog training. They talk about the importance of good gun handling skills and how it can make or break a dog's performance. They also discuss the timing of shots and the role of the honor dog in a hunt test. The conversation then moves on to answering questions from listeners, covering topics such as casting in the water, giving corrections during cold blinds, and addressing hard mouth behavior in dogs. Overall, the conversation provides valuable insights and tips for dog trainers. In this final part of the conversation, Chris and Eric discuss the challenges of training dogs for specific hunting situations and the importance of proper field size for training. They also address questions about the order of dogs being trained on the truck, determining the day's setup, and the differences between AKC and HRC hunt tests. They emphasize the need for clear communication with the dogs during AKC tests and the importance of handling technical issues correctly.