The Intermediate/Advanced Level – What is Needed to Reach It?

This is part two of a three-part series discussing the Jagdgebrauchshundverband (JGHV) testing system. I interviewed Tanya Gates about the HZP test, which is the fall advanced natural ability test intended for dogs approximately 10 to 24 months. The HZP involves more training than the VJP but is not quite as involved as the finished dog VGP test. Tanya has an interesting perspective since she owns a breed that is less commonly seen in JGHV testing (Hungarian Wirehaired Vizslas). She's also participated in the HZP in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

You can reach Tanya on Facebook, Instagram, or via her website.

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 

This episode kicks off a three-part series diving into the Jagdgebrauchshundverband (JGHV) testing system, which is often referred to as the "German testing" system in the U.S. I interviewed Jennifer Wapenski about the VJP test, which is the lowest level intended for puppies approximately 6 to 18 months. We discussed the different components of the test as well as some tips to have a successful test day.

You can reach Jennifer by email, on Instagram, or via her website.

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 

This week, I had a conversation with Jeremy Cormier of V3 Gun Dogs & Canine Academy in Lebanon, CT. Jeremy is a professional trainer who trains and runs bird dogs in hunt tests and field trials. We discussed the differences between handling your dog yourself or using a professional. Both can be a good option depending on your experience, the time you have, and your goals.

Check out Jeremy and V3 Gun Dogs on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube! 

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 

Recently, I attended an AKC field trial with my vizsla, Zara. In this episode, I go into detail about each of her runs so you can get a sense of the variety of situations that can happen when you are running your dog and how your decision-making can impact the outcome. There were good things, bad things, and thankfully, no ugly things – but a crazy situation with a bird I haven't seen before.

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 

This episode continues my conversation with Laura Miller about AFTCA field trials. We cover how to earn titles, the community aspect of the trials, and technicalities involving relocating a dog on point and retrieving.

You can reach out to Laura on Facebook through her CH Lundy's Red Bull for American Field Hall of Fame page.

For more information on the AFTCA guidelines, check out the Standards to Field Trial Procedure, Judicial Practice, Handler and Bird Dog Performance. 

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 

This episode covers AFTCA field trials, which are the amateur side of American Field (now owned by United Kennel Club). This is part one of my conversation with Laura Miller, an accomplished field trial competitor and judge. We discuss the different levels including Puppy, Derby, Shooting Dog, and All-Age and some key differences from AKC trials. 

You can reach out to Laura on Facebook through her CH Lundy's Red Bull for American Field Hall of Fame page.

For more information on the AFTCA guidelines, check out the Standards to Field Trial Procedure, Judicial Practice, Handler and Bird Dog Performance. 

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 

I'm doing someting a little different for my last episode of 2023. I collected questions from listeners and I'm answering them in this episode. How do I go about training backing? What are some things you can do to help your dog in a hunt test? Will I be getting another bird dog in the future? All of these are answered, and more! 

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 

This week I'm discussing what it's like when you spend a season or several months of the year testing or trialing. How much travel is involved? What are the costs? What does a typical day look like at an event?

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 

This episode dives into bird dog events on a national scale, such as the NAVHDA Invitational and the many national field trials. I discuss how they are different than local events and some considerations to think about if you want to enter one of them.

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 

This episode explains National Shoot to Retrieve Association (NSTRA) field trials. I interviewed Matthew Bass, a NSTRA judge and owner of Stacked Up Kennels, who has been involved in the NSTRA world since he was young child. We discuss how NSTRA trials are set up, how they are scored, and what your dog needs to do to earn a placement.

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

You can find me on the following platforms:

Instagram | Facebook | Website