Ep. 48: Building the Perfect Hunting Partner: Bird Dog Training Tips and Common Pitfalls with Brendan Hinkle

In this episode of "Save it for the Blind" by California Waterfowl, we sit down with professional dog trainer Brendan Hinkle from B & B Dog Training, a seasoned expert in training hunting dogs and guiding them from the basics to real-world hunting scenarios. Whether you're starting with a new puppy or refining the skills of a seasoned hunting companion, Brendan shares his insights on the first steps of puppy training, how to choose the right pedigree and certified sellers, and essential training gear every hunter should have.

We'll dive into key topics such as how to transition a dog from training sessions to actual hunting environments, recognizing when a dog is truly ready for the field, and avoiding common training mistakes. Brendan also addresses frequently asked questions from duck hunters, including how to deal with a gun-shy dog, the differences between a started and finished dog, and whether there's an age that’s too late to begin training. From preseason preparation to in-season fine-tuning, Brendan provides valuable tips for keeping your dog focused, especially in the presence of other dogs, and advice on integrating new behaviors into your training regimen.

Whether you're a novice or an experienced handler, this episode is packed with expert advice to help you build the perfect hunting partner.