The Birddog lifestyle
10/4/2023
At twenty-one years old, I decided that whatever I did to earn a living must revolve around something I love. In this season, the most important experiences were centered around fly rods and bird dogs. I took a job at Wynfield Plantation in Albany, GA, where I learned dog handling, dog training, wingshooting instruction, and how perform and teach all things fly fishing. In 2007, a pattern began that would remain constant throughout my college years: guiding quail hunts all day, and taking evening classes funded by cash tips in the evenings. Come spring, I would head to Vermejo Park Ranch to guide fly fisherman during the summertime.
As a young adult I experienced the roller coaster of self discovery, big changes, and growing up (debatable). I remember fondly those hard days that ended while I sat in the kennels, absorbing every ounce of their grateful, affectionate, and selfless charm that dogs so consistently provide. To this day, the magic of a spaniel is more valuable than ever. I’m thankful to have exposed my family to what inspires me most, and to witness their own discovery of an instinctive and ancient part of life.
Since my first day at that plantation, bird dogs have been a huge part of life. As a trainer, the pursuit of excellence haunts me daily. These dogs have done so much for me on a personal level, that I feel deeply obligated to serve them to the best of my ability in terms of husbandry, development tactics, and breeding that we feel is improving the breed overall. To those who know me well, thanks for your patience with my incessant questions and picking of your brains. I’m compelled to learn and understand the inner-workings of a spaniel’s mind. I yearn to grow and not only produce a more soundly-trained dog, but also equip our clients to walk away from each session a better dog person than before.
We all want the same thing- a happy dog who loves their job. Its our job to protect their confidence, mental balance, and above all else-the relationship to the handler.