"First Couple" of bird dog training: Ronnie Smith & Susanna Love on development of "little domestic predators," and why they love flank collars

The "first couple" of bird dog training joins us from the floor of the 2024 Pheasant Fest: Ronnie Smith and Susanna Love cover all things puppy development, from mindset to introducing birds, getting pup ready for gunfire and introducing steadiness. They have some fascinating insights into how a dog thinks and how we should alter our own thinking as a result when training these "little domestic predators."

Then, for older dogs, we talk retrieving, more steadiness work, and why they don't teach "sit." We'll get the reasoning behind whoa posts and flank collars, from these incredible trainers, hunting guides, and all-around wonderful people.

The "Handle It" segment answers a question from Tim Wright on why his young dog was startled by birds - and what to do about it; and we total up the number of dog breeds we've hunted with over the years ... your count and mine!

And it's all brought to you by: Sage & Braker Mercantile, LandTrust.com, HiVizSights.com, @midwayusa, #midwayusa, Midway USA, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, ESPAmerica, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.