AKC hunt tests can feel overwhelming, no matter what level you're running. After judging a test last weekend, I walked away with a long list of things handlers could do in training and at the actual test to set themselves up for more successful runs. In this episode, I'm sharing those tips and tricks to help you and your dog be more prepared and confident.

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

For the first episode of the year, I'm kicking it off with another story of someone who got a pointing dog as a pet and then decided to get into hunting later.

In this episode of Tales of Accidental Bird Dogs, I sit down with Jeff Beck, whose journey into the bird dog world started with one goal: finding an active dog he could train and do fun things with.

Jeff's first dog, a GSP named Jinx, was originally meant to be a versatile companion—obedience work, UKC shed dog competitions, and staying busy. But everything changed when he took her to a pro trainer for some bird exposure. The moment he saw her lock up on point, he was hooked.

Fast forward to today, and Jeff is deep in the bird dog life. He now owns five dogs (four of them GSPs), runs hunt tests with his kids, guides, maintains a serious pigeon coop, and operates a small obedience training business. What started as "just wanting a dog to train" has turned into a full-blown family lifestyle centered around dogs, birds, and learning together.

You can get in touch with Jeff on Facebook at Point Perfect K9 Academy.

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