Advertise on podcast: The Flatlander Kennels Podcast with Chris Jobman

Are male or female retrievers better? Should every dog be trained the same way? And does it matter how many attempts it takes a dog to earn its Grand Champion title? On this episode of the Flatlander Kennels Podcast, Elliott Snider and Chris Jobman dig into listener questions covering a wide range of retriever training and hunting topics. Chris discusses how females can react differently around their heat cycles, whether males and females really work differently for their handlers, and why matching your training style to the individual dog is so important. He also gets into teaching dogs to carry casts across cheating points, dogs that put their noses down on blinds, transitioning from force fetch to real birds, ladder fetch, field first-aid kits, and dogs that blow past marks while hunting. The guys also tackle an interesting question about Grand Champions: Is a dog that goes 2-for-3 at the HRC Grand really better than one that goes 2-for-10? Chris explains why the circumstances surrounding a pass or failure matter—and why some truly exceptional dogs simply find ways to get it done. Have a question for Chris? Submit it through Patreon or the Flatlander Kennels Facebook community for a future Q&A episode. PARTNERS WaterDog USAwaterdog-usa.com Check out WaterDog USA's retriever and waterfowl apparel. Their Shirt of the Month founding-member program is limited to 100 spots and includes a free hat, koozie and sticker, along with 25% off while you're a member. Marino DecoysMike Marino of Marino Decoys in Pueblo, Colorado creates hand-carved, huntable decoys, custom dog urns and other carvings. Flight Day Ammunitionflightdayammo.comUse code FLK10 for 10% off your order. Mammoth Guardian Dog CratesCheck out Mammoth Guardian Dog Crates and their available accessories, including the exterior roll cage and wheel system. SUPPORT THE PODCAST Join us on Patreon for additional content, giveaways, Ask Jobman and the opportunity to submit questions directly for future episodes. patreon.com/jobman

On this episode of the Flatlander Kennels Podcast, Elliott recaps opening weekend of teal season and a situation with Georgie that turned into a valuable lesson about handling your dog in an actual hunting situation. After spending the first hunt focused on steadiness, vocalization and control, Elliott found himself rushing a retrieve on the second day and allowing Georgie to pick up the bird she wanted instead of the cripple he was trying to send her after. Chris breaks down what went wrong, why situations like this have to become training moments, and why handlers have to learn to think like dog trainers even when the hunting gets exciting. Chris also talks about preparing his dogs for the upcoming HRC Grand, including training with a group of 80–90 dogs, creating Grand-like conditions in training, handling collar-wise dogs, drag-back, blind retrieves and the importance of controlling the things you can control. We also answer listener questions about difficult training days, dogs going rogue on blinds, making the jump from Started to Seasoned, preparing a young dog for its first hunting season and what Chris wants to see from a dog heading into the Grand. Join the FLK Patreon for live recordings, priority questions, the Ask Jobman training tool and your chance to win a hunt with Chris and Elliott: patreon.com/jobman FLK PARTNERS Flight Day Ammo flightdayammo.com Use code FLK10 for 10% off. Mammoth Guardian Dog Crates mammothpet.com Marino Decoys marinodecoys.com Water Dog waterdog-usa.com Check out the new Shirt of the Month Crew. The first 100 founding members receive a free hat, koozie and sticker, plus 25% off for as long as they remain members.

A dog can look great in training, earn titles, and still have a first hunting season that feels like a complete disaster. In this episode of the Flatlander Kennels Podcast, Chris Jobman and Elliott Snider break down what hunters should realistically expect during a young dog's first season in the field. Chris shares stories of highly accomplished dogs that struggled when they experienced real hunting for the first time and explains why training alone can't completely prepare a dog for the chaos of an actual hunt. We discuss how to set a young dog up for success, controlling the chaos during those first hunts, choosing the right hunting partners, handling breaking and other bad habits before they become permanent, and why sometimes the best decision you can make is to put the gun down and focus entirely on the dog. We also answer Patreon questions about returning to training after an extended break, talk about when Elliott should start thinking about Georgie's eventual successor, and get an update on what's happening at Flatlander Kennels. Join the Flatlander Kennels Patreon: https://patreon.com/jobman Get access to Ask Jobman, submit questions for the podcast, join our live shows, and stay connected with the Flatlander Kennels community. Our Partners Flight Day Ammunition https://flightdayammo.com Use code FLK10 for 10% off. Marino Decoys http://marinodecoys.com Hand-carved, huntable cork decoys and custom dog memorial urn decoys. Check out Merino Decoys and let them know the Flatlander Kennels Podcast sent you. If you're preparing to take a young retriever into the field this season, this is an episode you don't want to miss.

Chris Jobman and Elliott are joined by Rhett Riddle for a wide-ranging retriever training Q&A. We dig into handling problems at the end of blinds, improving whistle sits, teaching dogs to tread water, dealing with noisy dogs, preparing for hunt tests, and getting a dog mentally ready to perform at its best. Rhett also talks about getting 15 dogs ready for the Master National, and Chris and Rhett share how they approach some of the most common problems handlers run into with advanced retrievers. Thanks to the partners who support the Flatlander Kennels Podcast: Flight Day Ammunition https://flightdayammo.com Use code FLK10 for 10% off. Marino Decoys https://marinodecoys.com Mammoth Guardian Dog Crates https://mammothpet.com Join us on Patreon for live recordings, submit your questions for the podcast, and get access to Ask Jobman: https://patreon.com/jobman

Is your retriever ready for its first hunt? How do you know if you're using the right amount of pressure during force fetch? What separates average dogs from Master-level performers? In this episode of the Flatlander Kennels Podcast, Chris Jobman answers listener questions on three of the most important topics in retriever training: • First Hunt Readiness – Knowing when your dog is truly prepared for opening day and avoiding common mistakes that can set training back. • Force Fetch Explained – Understanding pressure, building confidence, and creating a reliable retriever. • Master Test Tips – Improving marks, blinds, casting, and the small details that lead to success at the highest level. Whether you're training your first hunting dog or preparing for Master Hunt Tests, this episode is packed with practical advice you can apply immediately. Support the podcast and gain access to Ask Jobman, our AI-powered retriever training database, plus exclusive content and our annual hunt giveaway. Patreonhttps://patreon.com/jobman Partners Flight Day Ammunitionhttps://flightdayammo.comUse code FLK10 to save 10% Marino Decoyshttps://marinodecoys.com Mammoth Guardian Dog Crateshttps://mammothpet.com Thanks for listening. We'll see everybody at the line... take dead aim.

In this episode of the Flatlander Kennels Podcast, Chris Jobman and Elliott are joined by Flight Day Ammunition owner Ben Meyers. Ben discusses his young Labrador Duncan, a puppy out of Chris' talented stud dog Red, and gets Chris' thoughts on what he's seeing from Red's offspring so far. The conversation covers raising a retriever puppy, common training mistakes, e-collar conditioning, whether male or female dogs make better hunting companions, and the foundation every retriever needs before advancing to blind retrieves. Ben also shares the story behind Flight Day Ammunition, why the company shifted away from bismuth, and the science behind building a better steel waterfowl load. Whether you're training your first retriever or your tenth, this episode is packed with practical advice and plenty of stories from the kennel. Partners Mentioned in This Episode Flight Day AmmunitionPremium waterfowl ammunition built for superior patterns and consistent performance.Use code FLK10 to save 10%.https://flightdayammo.com Marino DecoysHand-carved hunting decoys and custom memorial urns that honor the dogs we love.https://marinodecoys.com Mammoth Guardian Dog CratesHeavy-duty dog crates designed to keep your retriever safe without the premium price tag.Available at Mammoth Pet Products and Amazon. Become a patron and get access to Ask Jobman, our AI-powered training assistant built from every Flatlander Kennels Podcast episode, exclusive live recordings, bonus content, and entries into our annual patron hunt giveaway. https://patreon.com/jobman

Contact us: [email protected] Support the podcast: www.Patreon.com/Jobman Partners: Flight Day Ammunition – Premium steel waterfowl loads built around superior patterns and pellet counts, not marketing hype. Use code FLK10 for 10% off. Mammoth Guardian Dog Crates – Heavy-duty protection, innovative roll-cage design, and built for serious hunting dogs. http://www.mammothpet.com Merino Decoys – Hand-carved custom decoys, memorial urn decoys, and artwork crafted by true waterfowl hunters. Visit Merino Decoys on Facebook and Instagram to see Mike's incredible work. http://www.marinodecoys.com This week Chris and Elliott dive into one of the most misunderstood topics in retriever training: timelines and expectations. How long should a dog spend with a professional trainer? What should owners realistically expect after four, five, or six months in a program? Can a good trainer guarantee where a dog will be at a certain point in training? Chris explains why dogs don't care about your calendar, why rushing development can create long-term problems, and how successful trainers focus on building the dog in front of them rather than chasing arbitrary deadlines. The conversation also covers managing a retriever's career, the value of Started and Seasoned hunt tests, avoiding burnout, building dogs for long-term success, and why some of the greatest retrievers Chris has trained were carefully managed over many years rather than rushed to titles. Plus: Upcoming Flatlander Kennels puppy litters Flash × Faith and Rainy × Blitz breeding plans Recent hunt test results from South Dakota Preparing hunting dogs for test season Blind retrieve troubleshooting Handling common training issues Hunt giveaway updates and Patreon benefits Whether you're training your first gun dog or chasing Grand titles, this episode is packed with practical advice that can save you time, money, and frustration.

Description What does it really take for an amateur handler to pass the HRC Grand? In this episode, Chris and Elliott sit down with Luke Donofrio, an Army veteran and amateur handler who recently earned his first Grand pass with his dog Cash. Luke shares his journey from buying a dog to hunt over to competing at the highest level of the HRC game. The conversation covers Grand preparation, the importance of solid fundamentals, pre-training with large groups, common mistakes amateur handlers make, and what it felt like to finally get the job done after coming up short in previous attempts. Chris also recaps one of the toughest Grands he has ever attended, discussing difficult test setups, challenging cover conditions, and the lessons learned from a demanding three weeks on the road. Whether you're chasing your first Finished title or dreaming of running the Grand someday, this episode offers an inside look at the process from both a professional trainer's and an amateur handler's perspective. Flight Day AmmunitionPremium steel waterfowl loads designed around maximum payload and exceptional patterns.Use code FLK10 for 10% off.https://www.flightdayammo.com Merino DecoysHand carved custom decoys, dog urn decoys, and one of a kind pieces of waterfowl art crafted by Mike Merino.https://www.merinodecoys.com Mammoth Guardian Dog CratesHeavy duty dog crates built to keep your dog safe while traveling. Available in multiple colors with optional accessories including wheel kits and roll cage attachments.https://www.mammothpet.com

Contact us [email protected] In this episode, Chris breaks down one of the most talked about topics in retriever training: direct vs indirect pressure. We walk through what each one actually means, when to use them, and why so many handlers get confused when trying to apply pressure during casting. Chris explains how pressure should be introduced, why timing matters, and what to do when indirect pressure isn’t getting the job done. We also dig into real world scenarios including casting refusals, stubborn dogs, and how to properly correct without creating more confusion. If you’ve ever struggled with handling or felt unsure about when to apply pressure, this episode will help clear things up. Partners: Mammoth Guardian Dog Crateshttps://www.mammothpet.comSearch “Mammoth Dog Crate” on Amazon Marino Decoyshttps://www.marinodecoys.com Join us on Patreon:Get access to live Q and A sessions, priority questions, and exclusive contenthttps://patreon.com/flatlanderkennels

Contact us at [email protected] Join us on Patreon: patreon.com/jobman Chris and Elliott kick things off with a live Patreon Q and A and spend some time talking through what this time of year really looks like at Flatlander Kennels. With hunt test season underway and the Grand right around the corner, Chris shares what goes into preparing a large group of dogs, recent test results out in Salt Lake City, and the challenges of getting dogs ready this time of year with weather and water work. We also talk about the realities of traveling with a big string of dogs, balancing training with life on the road, and what Chris focuses on heading into a busy stretch of tests. If you’ve ever wondered what it actually looks like behind the scenes for a pro trainer during hunt test season, this is a good one. Partners: Mammoth Guardian Dog Crateshttps://www.mammothpet.comSearch “Mammoth Dog Crate” on Amazon Marino Decoyshttps://www.marinodecoys.com

In this Q and A episode, we dive into three of the most important topics in dog training: how long you should stay on a concept, the real danger of overtraining and burnout, and how to properly structure a balanced training program. Chris shares real world insight from the kennel, including examples of dogs that thrived and others that were pushed too far. If you have ever wondered when to move on, when to simplify, or how to avoid hurting your dog’s progress, this episode is packed with practical takeaways you can apply immediately. We also answer listener questions on training setups, working with birds, starting a kennel business, and more. Mammoth Guardian Dog Cratehttps://mammothpet.comCode: GUARDIAN15 Marino Decoyshttps://marinodecoys.com Patreonhttps://patreon.com/jobman

FLK Podcast Partners Marino Decoyshttps://marinodecoys.com Mammoth Guardian Dog Crateshttps://www.mammothpet.comCode: GUARDIAN15 Support the podcast and get access to exclusive content, live streams, Q and A sessions, and opportunities like hunt giveaways and trips with the FLK crew. Join a community of like minded waterfowl dog owners and trainers. Join here: https://www.patreon.com/jobman Most serious trainers and eager hunters alike underestimate how essential structured training is for building reliable, confident dogs—whether you’re hunting, trialing, or just loving the work. In this episode, seasoned trainers Chris Jobman and Freddy King reveal game-changing secrets on transforming even the most stubborn, soft, or hesitant dogs into confident, rock-solid performers.Freddy, a master with both hunt tests and real-world hunting, shares the nuanced strategies that turn "bad" habits into polished skills, including how to handle water confidence issues, finishing blinds, and teaching long memory birds. You’ll discover specific drills like pattern blinds, delayed triples, and angle marks that build mental resilience in dogs and ensure rock-solid obedience under pressure. Learn how to boost your dog's confidence, avoid common training pitfalls, and develop a calm, laser-focused demeanor that elevates their performance.Chris and Freddy break down the importance of consistency, timing, and understanding your dog's personality traits—highlighting how patience, balance, and a calm attitude pave the way for success. They emphasize that every dog is uniquely wired, and how your approach to teaching influences long-term results. Whether you're just starting or aiming for advanced titles like MH or grand, this episode arms you with practical, proven tactics to conquer the toughest moments in training and hunting alike.This episode is perfect for any dog handler committed to elevating their training game and seeking reliable, well-mannered hunting companions. If you want your dogs to perform with confidence and consistency—without turning training into a frustrating chore—these insights will transform your approach.Tune in for a deep dive into the mindset, methods, and meticulous attention to detail that make some handlers stand out—and see how YOU can apply these principles today to make your dogs better, faster, and more responsive.Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a professional trainer, mastering these techniques will forever change how you view training and handling dogs in all scenarios.Why this works:By leading with the promise of transforming "difficult" dogs into confident performers, the description immediately sparks curiosity. It lays out concrete, practical strategies—like pattern blinds and delayed triples—that appeal to trainers eager for real results, while the emotional appeal of confidence and mastery draws in listeners ready to improve their craft.

Freddy King joins Elliott Snider and Chris Jobman for a fun and wide ranging conversation on retriever training, hunt tests, the old SRS days, and the dogs that separate themselves from the rest. Freddy shares stories from his years around some of the best dogs and trainers in the game, explains how The Retriever Trainer got started, and talks about why helping amateur trainers build confidence has become such a big part of what he does. The guys also swap stories about legendary dogs, unforgettable moments, and what truly makes a great retriever special. Podcast Partners Mammoth Guardian Dog CratesHeavy duty dog crates built for serious dog owners and hunters. The optional roll cage features steel bars with welded tie down points and a chrome plated heavy duty door frame for maximum protection.Use code GUARDIAN15 for a discount.https://www.mammothpetproducts.com Marino DecoysPremium waterfowl decoys designed for realism and durability in the toughest hunting conditions. Built by hunters who understand what it takes to finish birds in the decoys.https://www.marinodecoys.com

Episode description Elliott and Chris roll through a stacked listener Q and A and tease a new Patreon that will include live recordings, priority questions, and a chance to win time at Chris’s place. Then they get into the training talk, including marking progression for solo trainers, when and how to help a dog on marks, fixing head swinging around multiple gun stations, what seasoned judges are really looking for, how to handle a bird the dog did not see, and a deep dive on pressure spinning on blinds with a pro trained dog. They wrap with practical kennel life questions like feeding schedules, clicker training for hold, cloning a great dog, and why Water Dog is considered outdated for modern retriever training. Marino DecoysHand carved high end decoys that look incredible in the spread or as display pieces. Mike also offers memorial options to honor a dog that has passed.Find them at marinodecoys.com Mammoth Guardian Dog CrateA durable crate option for safe travel and truck setup. Add the roll cage attachments if you want a strapped down system, or remove them for a simpler fit in the bed.Search Mammoth Guardian Dog Crate on Amazon or visit mammothpet.com

Chris Jobman kicks this one off with a quick season recap, including a trip to Arkansas where the freeze locked everything up except a few key spots, and the ducks absolutely piled in. Then we get into one of the coolest moments of the episode: Chris breaks down a monster retrieve from Flash in an icy, slushy river, and why situations like that prove every river dog needs to handle, not just to pick up birds, but to stay alive and come back safe. After that, we roll into listener questions from the Flatlander Kennels Podcast Facebook group, including:Favorite characteristics in dogs and what Chris looks for in puppiesHow to prevent the head drop habit during force fetchIf Chris could bring one UKC rule into AKC and one AKC rule into UKC, what would they beTransitioning a finished or grand level dog into SRS and why the field trial style is harder than most people think PartnersMarino Decoys: marinodecoys.comMammoth Guardian Dog Crates: mammothpet.comDiscount code: GUARDIAN15 for 15% off