The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast cover art

The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast

The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast

By: Terry Ann Fernando
Listen for free

The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast focuses on hunting dog events and competitions for pointing breeds and is intended to inspire and encourage other dog owners to do more with their dogs.2024 HerUpland
Episodes
  • The Puppy Foundation Behind a National Champion

    The Puppy Foundation Behind a National Champion
    Jun 17 2026
    What does it take to raise a field trial puppy that develops into a National Champion? In this episode, I sit down with amateur field trialer John Bacik to discuss the puppy-raising and foundation behind his remarkable success. This year, John's older Vizsla Shelby won the Vizsla Club of America's National Gun Dog Championship, while his younger dog Taylor won the Open Derby and earned her Amateur Field Championship at 17 months. What's especially interesting is that John doesn't have many of the resources people often assume are necessary for success. He doesn't own horses, an ATV, or a large training property. Instead, he relies on access to a hunting club, a loft of homing pigeons, an e-bike, and a clear vision for what he wants his dogs to become. We dive into how he structures a puppy's first year, the bird work he introduces early on, and why his approach differs from what many handlers are doing. Whether your goal is field trials, hunt tests, or simply developing a confident bird dog, you'll find practical insights into how early experiences can shape a dog's future performance. If you've ever wondered whether you need professional-level resources to produce a high-performing bird dog, this conversation may change your perspective. You can reach John by email at imageline@sbcglobal.net. -- The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is part of the @herupland Podcast Network and sponsored by @onxhunt.
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    59 mins
  • Breeding Bird Dogs

    Breeding Bird Dogs
    May 27 2026

    Experienced Vizsla breeder Michelle Dowd of Broad Run Vizslas joins me to talk about her journey into breeding and the important things to consider when breeding dogs for field ability. Breeding has its ups and downs, and Michelle shares about the good and bad she's encountered over the past 26 years. She also offers her advice for people who might be looking to start breeding dogs themselves.

    You can find Michelle on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok at Broad Run Vizslas or visit her website at broadrunvizslas.com.

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    The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is part of the HerUpland Podcast Network and sponsored by OnX Hunt.
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    1 hr and 29 mins
  • How to Start Training for Hunt Tests/Field Trials

    How to Start Training for Hunt Tests/Field Trials
    May 13 2026

    Are you interested in learning how to start hunting with your bird dog? Do you have a young, energy-filled Pointer, German Shorthair, Vizsla, Brittany, etc. and you're curious about hunt tests or field trials? It can be confusing when you first get started, especially if you are new to bird hunting or bird hunting games. Where do I begin? How do I find someone to help me? What if I have never shot a gun before or my dog is not a puppy or I live in a city?

    I know entering the hunting and testing world can be downright overwhelming at times, because I was in that same boat when I started. This podcast will offer some ideas to help you get started. If you're a long-time listener to the podcast, this may be review for you. However, perhaps you know someone who is new who you can share it with or get some ideas on how to help them.

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    The Accidental Bird Dog Podcast is part of the HerUpland Podcast Network and sponsored by OnX Hunt.
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    32 mins
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