The Flatlander Kennels Podcast with Chris Jobman

In this episode of the Flatlander Kennels Podcast, Elliott and Chris Jobman discuss what separates a good hunting dog from a great one and why proper training fundamentals make all the difference.Chris takes us behind the scenes of his daily training routine at Flatlander Kennels and explains how he develops young retrievers into accomplished hunting and hunt-test dogs. We discuss the importance of teaching hunting dogs to handle, maintaining training standards throughout hunting season, and avoiding the mistakes that can create long-term problems.We also answer listener questions covering:Correcting bad habits developed during hunting seasonPreparing retrievers for the HRC Grand and AKC Master NationalUnderstanding delayed triples and advanced marking setupsAddressing bird mouthing and delivery problemsMaintaining consistency and standards in trainingWhether you're training your first duck dog or working toward advanced hunt-test titles, this episode offers practical advice from one of the most experienced retriever trainers in the business.FLATLANDER KENNELS PODCAST PARTNERSWater DogPremium waterfowl and retriever-inspired apparel. Check out the Shirt of the Month Crew for exclusive designs and member discounts.https://waterdog-usa.comHoss StrapsInnovative, durable replacement e-collar straps designed for secure fit, reliable contact, and easy on-and-off use.https://hossstraps.comFlight Day AmmunitionPremium waterfowl ammunition delivering outstanding patterns and performance in the field.https://flightdayammo.comUse code FLK10 for 10% off.Mammoth Guardian Dog CratesDurable, secure dog crates with convenient mobility options, built for working dogs and everyday use. Available on Amazon by searching Mammoth Guardian Dog Crates.SUPPORT THE PODCASTJoin the Flatlander Kennels Patreon community for exclusive content and access to Ask Jobman, where you can search Chris's training advice to help answer your retriever training questions.https://patreon.com/jobman

On this episode of the Flatlander Kennels Podcast, Chris Jobman and Elliott Snider answer listener questions covering a wide range of retriever training topics.We discuss preparing a young retriever for the HRC Grand, the importance of building a solid foundation, and why rushing through training can create problems down the road.Chris also shares his thoughts on cold-water training versus hunting, recognizing when conditions are too tough for your dog, and why even the toughest retrievers need their handlers to look out for them.Other topics include:Dealing with occasional no-goes on blind retrievesPreventing and correcting loopy sitsHow often to run multiples, cheating singles, and ABCD drillsBuilding confidence in young retrieversCold tail syndrome in hunting dogsMarking drills and whether to hide gun stationsConditioning and strength training for retrieversHow retriever training methods might change in the futureWe also talk about Chris's recent duck hunts in Nebraska, duck migration, and why fresh birds can make such a difference in hunting success.We wrap up the episode with our Flatlander Kennels Patreon Hunt Giveaway, selecting one lucky member to join Chris and Elliott for a December duck hunt on the Platte River in western Nebraska.JOIN OUR PATREONWatch live podcast recordings, ask Chris your retriever training questions, and access the Ask Jobman training resource.https://www.patreon.com/jobmanFlight Day AmmunitionPremium steel waterfowl ammunition.https://flightdayammo.comUse code FLK10 for 10% off.Hoss StrapsInnovative dog collars and straps featuring a quick-adjust locking system.https://hossstraps.comWater DogRetriever and waterfowl-inspired apparel. Check out their Shirt of the Month Crew.https://waterdog-usa.comMarino DecoysHand-carved, huntable waterfowl decoys and custom memorial decoys.Mammoth Guardian Dog CratesDurable dog crates and protective kennel systems for transporting your retriever.Available on Amazon — search Mammoth Guardian Dog Crates.Thanks for listening to the Flatlander Kennels Podcast with Chris Jobman and Elliott Snider!

Flatlander Kennels Podcast PartnersA big thank you to the partners who help make the FLK Podcast possible!Water Doghttps://www.waterdog-usa.comCheck out their Shirt of the Month Crew!Marino Decoyshttps://marinodecoys.comFlight Day Ammunitionhttps://flightdayammo.comUse promo code FLK10Hoss Strapshttps://hossstraps.comMammoth Guardian Dog Crateshttps://mammothguardian.comChris Jobman just wrapped one of the toughest stretches of the year and the results are better than the headlines suggest. From a brutal Grand and Master National run to the start of hunting season, he breaks down what really happened, why the pass rates sparked debate, and what it actually takes to keep elite dogs together through back-to-back championship events.With Elliott steering the conversation, Chris shares the inside story on the dogs that passed, the ones that got knocked out by razor-thin judgment calls, and the real-world chaos of running high-level retrievers in extreme heat. If you’ve ever wondered how these events are judged, why a higher pass rate does not automatically mean an easier test, or what separates a good dog from a championship dog, this episode pulls back the curtain.You’ll hear the latest on Kimber’s heartbreaking fifth-series finish, Flash’s incredible longevity, Rainey’s recovery after CCL surgery, and the young dogs that are pushing hard for their turn. Chris also talks through the realities of travel, pre-training, and keeping dogs safe when the weather turns punishing, including the fans, generators, and emergency fixes that kept the kennel moving.We also cover the gear and partnerships driving the Flatlander Kennels crew right now, including Flight Day Ammo, Haas Straps, Water Dog, and Marino Decoys, plus the upcoming Patreon hunt giveaway where one listener gets the chance to hunt the North Platte with Chris and Elliott in late December. And if you want the honest take on why some dogs keep coming back stronger after a tough fail, this episode has plenty of that too.Essential listening if you run hunt test dogs, follow the Grand or Master National circuit, or just want the unfiltered inside baseball from people living it every day.

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.PARTNERSWaterDog USAwaterdog-usa.comCheck 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 PODCASTJoin 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/jobmanFLK PARTNERSFlight Day Ammoflightdayammo.comUse code FLK10 for 10% off.Mammoth Guardian Dog Cratesmammothpet.comMarino Decoysmarinodecoys.comWater Dogwaterdog-usa.comCheck 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/jobmanGet access to Ask Jobman, submit questions for the podcast, join our live shows, and stay connected with the Flatlander Kennels community.Our PartnersFlight Day Ammunitionhttps://flightdayammo.comUse code FLK10 for 10% off.Marino Decoyshttp://marinodecoys.comHand-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 Ammunitionhttps://flightdayammo.comUse code FLK10 for 10% off.Marino Decoyshttps://marinodecoys.comMammoth Guardian Dog Crateshttps://mammothpet.comJoin 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/jobmanPartnersFlight Day Ammunitionhttps://flightdayammo.comUse code FLK10 to save 10%Marino Decoyshttps://marinodecoys.comMammoth Guardian Dog Crateshttps://mammothpet.comThanks 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 EpisodeFlight Day AmmunitionPremium waterfowl ammunition built for superior patterns and consistent performance.Use code FLK10 to save 10%.https://flightdayammo.comMarino DecoysHand-carved hunting decoys and custom memorial urns that honor the dogs we love.https://marinodecoys.comMammoth 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] the podcast: www.Patreon.com/JobmanPartners: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.comMerino 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.comThis 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 littersFlash × Faith and Rainy × Blitz breeding plansRecent hunt test results from South DakotaPreparing hunting dogs for test seasonBlind retrieve troubleshootingHandling common training issuesHunt giveaway updates and Patreon benefitsWhether 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.