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 58: The Most Powerful Tool in Retriever Training??? With Dan Ihrke
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This week on the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, Chris is joined once again by Dan Ihrke for a deep dive into one of the most important — and misunderstood — concepts in retriever training: denial and steadiness.
Before getting into the training talk, Chris shares the chaos and excitement around welcoming baby Madison into the world, the latest update on the Floyd x Winter puppies, and getting Autumn back home and back to training.
Then the conversation turns into a masterclass on dog behavior and training mechanics. Dan breaks down the science behind reinforcement, punishment, and how “denial” fits into developing a steady, mentally disciplined retriever. From puppy foundations to advanced mark work, this episode explains why timing, consistency, and standards matter so much in building a reliable dog.
If you’ve ever struggled with steadiness, creeping, impulse control, or understanding why your dog makes certain choices in training, this episode is packed with practical insight.