Hunt Test Hobo Podcast
Welcome to the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, your place for truck side chats and deep insights into the retriever game await.
Hosted by Chris Rud, a fellow retriever enthusiast and student of the game, this podcast is your go-to resource whether you're just dipping your toes into the retriever world or you're a seasoned handler looking to sharpen your skills.
Join us each week as we delve into the intricacies of retriever training, offering a blend of tips, tricks, and wisdom from both amateur enthusiasts and seasoned professionals. From tales of triumph to strategies for overcoming challenges, we explore it all, with a shared passion for forging unbreakable bonds with our loyal companions.
So grab your coffee, hop into the truck, and let's embark on this retriever adventure together. This is the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, and I'm Chris Rud. Let's dive in.
Hunt Test Hobo Podcast
EP 56: Grace Williams: Building Better Dogs from Day One
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This one’s a deep dive into the beginning of the retriever journey — before force fetch, before handling… before most people even think about training.
Chris sits down with Grace Williams to talk about whelping, puppy development, and what actually creates a solid dog before it ever hits the training field.
From “finger painters” to kennel habits, potty training systems, and puppy socialization, Grace breaks down the small details that separate easy dogs from problem dogs.
They also get into:
- Grace’s unique path into the dog game (starting at 16)
- Building a business around breeding, puppy raising, and training
- Why most puppy problems start with the breeder — not the trainer
- Systems that make puppies easier to transition into homes
- How early structure impacts long-term performance
If you’ve ever thought about raising a litter — or just want a better dog — this episode is packed with practical takeaways.