In this Flatlander Kennels Q/A session, Elliott and Chris tackle listener questions covering some of the most pressing training topics. From handling creeping at the line, to dealing with dogs shredding birds, to mastering primary selection and cast angles, Chris breaks down practical approaches for amateurs and pros alike. You’ll also hear insights on water sits, blind running attitude, young dog patience in the blind, and even what life looks like for a pro trainer on the road. Packed with real-world advice and perspective, this is an episode handlers at every level can take something from.
Partners
Mammoth Guardian Dog Crates – Built tough, safe, and affordable. Search on Amazon and use code GUARDIAN15 for 15% off.
Big Cottonwood Retrievers – Grant & Shari Hatch, quality Labrador breeding with proven hunt test and field pedigrees.
www.bigcottonwoodretrievers.net(308) 289-6851
Special Thanks for our partners:
Big Cottonwood Retrievers
Grant and Shari Hatch
https://www.bigcottonwoodretrievers.net/308-289-6851
Mammoth Guardian Dog CrateAvailable on Amazon (search Mammoth Dog Crate)
Code:Guardian15 for 15% off
Chris and Elliott catch up after a busy Double Master at the kennel and dive deep into the HRC Grand with Grand Committee Chairman Tracy Stubbs. Tracy explains how sites are chosen, how judges are paired and trained, what “area of the fall” really means, how blinds are evaluated, and why composure matters as much as control. Chris shares handler insights on finishing blinds, reading marks at distance, and managing nerves across four series plus upland. You will hear how today’s Grand balances power with brains, how the point system works, and why the event is more user friendly while remaining the toughest hunt test around. New partner spotlight is Mammoth Guardian Dog Crates with the roll cage travel attachment and code GUARDIAN15 on Amazon. Shout to Big Cottonwood Retrievers for well bred pups. Join the Flatlander Kennels Podcast Facebook group to ask questions for the next episode.
Partner Info
Big Cottonwood Retrievers📞 Grant & Shari Hatch – (308)-289-6851🌐 bigcottonwoodretrievers.net
Listener Questions Covered in This Episode
Re-entry Cheating Marks – How to correct or teach when a dog skirts a second piece of water instead of taking a straight line through.
Overexcited Dog Behavior – Handling a young dog that head-bobs and nervously smacks its lips while waiting on marks.
Setting Up Training Property – Key factors that influence bird placement and how to design setups for marks and blinds.
Sandburrs, Stickers, and Cactus – How to deal with tough ground conditions at hunt tests and in hunting situations.
From Weekend Tests to Nationals – Adjustments in training focus and control work when preparing for the Grand or Master National.
Top Dog Memories – Chris shares some of his favorite hunting dog stories from years in the field.
Dogs He’d Like a Do-Over On – Reflecting on early-career training challenges and one dog he wishes he could train again.
Training Chesapeake Bay Retrievers – Whether training techniques change with Chessies compared to Labradors.
Swim-By on a Tough Pond – Advice for amateurs working with less-than-ideal ponds when teaching swim-by and water T work.
DescriptionIn this episode of the Flatlander Kennels Podcast, Chris Jobman and Elliott Snider welcome special guest Grant Hatch of Big Cottonwood Retrievers. Grant shares his personal origin story—how a backyard lab led him into waterfowl hunting, training, and eventually building one of the most respected retriever breeding programs in the country.
The conversation covers everything from Sugar, his very first lab, to the challenges of sending a dog off for training, and the journey into breeding. Grant discusses pairing philosophy, medical standards, and what it takes to responsibly raise dogs that excel in the field, at hunt tests, and as family companions. Along the way, Chris and Grant reflect on unforgettable dogs, memorable hunt test experiences, and the rewarding relationships that come from the retriever world.
If you’re interested in high-quality retrievers, breeding insights, and the story behind Big Cottonwood Retrievers, this episode is packed with value.
Big Cottonwood Retrievers – Contact Information
🌐 Website: bigcottonwoodretrievers.net
📱 Phone: 308-289-6851
📍 Facebook & Instagram: Big Cottonwood Retrievers
🎧 Episode Description:
In this episode of The Flatlander Kennels Podcast, Chris Jobman and Elliott Snider answer a packed list of listener-submitted questions covering real-world retriever training challenges. Topics include dogs refusing over casts, slow or loopy water sits, issues with Sit to Pile, how to get dogs punching through cover, and when to introduce live flyers.
Chris shares practical advice and clear steps to help handlers troubleshoot and move forward — no matter what stage their dog is in. They also wrap up the core “flow chart” training series and talk about what’s coming next, from casting factors to advanced marking setups.
The episode finishes with a great question: What makes an amateur training group truly successful? Chris and Elliott dig into group dynamics, egos, support systems, and how to keep progressing as a team.
📌 Have a question for the show? Post it in the Flatlander Kennels Podcast Facebook group or on the Flatlander Kennels Facebook page.
Big Cottonwood RetrieversOne of Nebraska’s premier retriever breeding programs, Big Cottonwood works closely with Flatlander Kennels, using their proven stud dogs and training their pups. If you’re looking for a great hunting or competition dog, reach out to Grant Hatch.
🌐 Website: www.bigcottonwoodretrievers.net
📘 Facebook: Big Cottonwood Retrievers
Interested in sponsoring the podcast?
We’re currently partnering with a limited number of companies that align with serious retriever training and working dog culture. Contact Elliott via the show notes or Facebook to learn more.
🎉 Partner Spotlight: Big Cottonwood Retrievers
We’re proud to be partnered with Big Cottonwood Retrievers, owned and operated by Grant and Sheri Hatch. If you're looking for high-quality Labrador puppies from proven hunting lines, Big Cottonwood Retrievers is the place to go. They use several Flatlander Kennels stud dogs in their program, and we train a lot of their pups—so we can vouch for the drive, intelligence, and talent of these dogs.
📍 Located in Nebraska
📞 Phone: (308) 289-6851
🌐 website: https://www.bigcottonwoodretrievers.net
📘 Facebook: Big https://www.bigcottonwoodretrievers.net/Cottonwood Retrievers
Big changes are coming to the Master National—and not everyone is happy about it.
In this episode of The Flatlander Kennels Podcast, Elliott Snider and pro trainer Chris Jobman dive deep into the recent announcement limiting total entries at the 2026 Master National to around 840 dogs. Chris doesn't hold back as he shares how this decision is impacting pros, clients, and the future of the sport.
They cover:
Why the decision feels like a slap in the face to professional trainers
How it cuts income and opportunity for working dog handlers
The growing divide between amateurs and pros in retriever events
Why this may signal the decline—or even the end—of the Master National as we know it
A hint at a new game on the horizon that could change everything
If you care about the future of retriever hunt tests, this is a must-listen.
🔥 Join the conversation on the Flatlander Kennels Facebook Group and make sure to Follow the new Flatlander Kennels Page to share episodes more easily.
In this episode of the Flatlander Kennels Podcast, Elliott Snider and Chris Jobman sit down for a Q&A session covering some of the most important details in dog training and test handling. Chris breaks down how he communicates with dogs at the line, when to use a verbal back cast, how to fix creeping and popping, and how to teach better swing mechanics. The guys also dive into a hot topic: Are AKC Master tests getting too soft? Chris shares his honest take on the state of judging, weekend test standards, and the line between challenge and fairness. Whether you're a seasoned handler or just getting started, this episode is full of valuable insight and a good dose of humor.
Be sure to submit your questions on Instagram or in the Flatlander Kennels Podcast Facebook group to be featured in future episodes!
In this episode, Chris Jobman and Elliott Snider dive into the foundational steps of running cold blinds. Chris breaks down how to set up early cold blind work, body positioning, cast refusals, indirect pressure, and when to start adding complexity. Whether you're on land or water, the key is patience, simplicity, and building confidence. This one’s full of practical advice for both amateurs and seasoned trainers looking to sharpen their blind work.
Chris Jobman is back from the 2025 Grand, and in this episode we dig into everything that went down—weather challenges, lighting issues, and tough setups that made this one of the hardest Grands yet. Chris breaks down how his training group prepared at Habitat Flats, how his 22 dogs fared, and the little details that made the difference. We talk about Georgie’s progress, the mental toll of big tests, and why even the best dogs sometimes go out early. Chris also shares what it meant to hit 61 Grand passes—and what it would take to reach 70 or even 100.
In Part 2 of this Flatlander Kennels roundtable, Chris Jobman leads a powerhouse Q&A session alongside Chris Akin (Webfooted Kennels), Eric Teson (Habitat Flats Kennels), and Rhett Riddle (Bay Creek Kennels). These top-tier trainers tackle questions straight from the Flatlander Kennels Podcast Facebook Group, covering topics like:
Building confidence in the water
Training dogs to fight wind and hold their lines
Puppy training philosophy and exposure
Marking drills for tighter hunts
Auto-casting and scent cone avoidance
Whether you're new to hunt tests or prepping for the Grand, this episode is packed with wisdom, laughs, and hard-earned advice from some of the best in the business.
In this powerhouse episode of The Flatlander Kennels Podcast, Chris Jobman is joined by an all-star panel of elite retriever trainers to talk all things Spring Grand. You’ll hear from:
Chris Akin of Webfooted Kennels (Jonesboro, AR)
Rhett Riddle of Bay Creek Kennels (Hartsville, SC)
Eric Teson of Habitat Flats Kennels (MO)
Together, this group holds over 400 Grand passes and decades of experience. They dive deep into preparation strategies, mental challenges, changes in the event over time, judging consistency, and the importance of sticking to your training style. This is one of the most detailed and honest conversations about running the HRC Grand you’ll find anywhere.
Stay tuned for part two—our Q&A episode—where we answer listener-submitted questions from the Flatlander Kennels Podcast Facebook group.
What separates a good dog handler from a great one? In this episode, Chris Jobman and Elliott Snider sit down with Rhett Riddle and Dave Marsteller to break down what it really takes to grow as a handler. From timing whistles to reading lead changes, developing routines to staying calm under pressure — this conversation is packed with insight for both amateurs and pros looking to get better at the line.
In this episode of the Flatlander Kennels Podcast, Chris Jobman and Elliott sit down with longtime friend and retired Air Force veteran John Michael Rohl (aka “Jim”) to relive the wild ride that turned an $800 newspaper puppy into a decorated champion retriever. From their first meeting through a message board in 2008, to Deke becoming a four-time Grand Hunting Retriever Champion and SRS finalist, this episode is full of laughs, lessons, and legendary stories.
They dive into how Jim transitioned from an eager amateur into a professional dog trainer, the challenges of balancing passion and profession, and the realities of building a kennel from the ground up. You’ll hear hilarious behind-the-scenes tales from the hunt test circuit, lessons learned from Deke’s early momentum training, and unfiltered advice for amateurs looking to go pro.
Whether you're in it for the dogs, the laughs, or the wisdom from two seasoned trainers, this story-packed episode delivers it all.
In this episode of the Flatlander Kennels Podcast, Chris Jobman and Elliott continue the flow chart series with a deep dive into water pattern blinds—how they differ from land pattern blinds, the concepts to teach first, when to use the e-collar, and how to build a thinking, confident dog in the water. Then they shift gears into a Q&A session, tackling listener-submitted questions about simulated flyers, bucket drills, interrupted triples, master test prep, and more. Whether you’re training for finished or master-level tests, this episode is packed with insights you can take straight to the field.
In Episode #45 of the Flatlander Kennels Podcast, Chris Jobman breaks down the next step in his retriever training flowchart—Land Pattern Blinds. Chris shares his detailed approach to building handling skills, maintaining momentum, and developing a confident, team-oriented retriever. He explains why pattern blinds are essential, how to avoid common training mistakes, and why handling is more important than lining. Plus, Elliott and Chris answer listener questions on training drive in British Labs, managing hunt test burnout, and prepping for the Grand and Master National. Join us for another in-depth training discussion and be sure to check out the full Flowchart series on YouTube and Facebook!
In this episode, Elliott and Chris Jobman are joined by professional retriever trainer Rhett Riddle of Bay Creek Kennels for a deep-dive Q&A session. They tackle listener-submitted questions on post-hunting season training, handling drills, avoiding injuries, and getting dogs back in top shape for hunt tests. If you’re looking for expert insights and practical training tips, this episode is a must-listen!
In this episode, we sit down with Rhett Riddle of Bay Creek Kennels to talk about his incredible journey training retrievers and his historic achievement—becoming the first known handler to have his dog, Crown, retrieve every recognized species of waterfowl in North America. From his early days training bomb dogs to his deep dive into retriever training, Rhett shares the experiences, challenges, and unforgettable moments that shaped his career. We cover everything from hunting King Eiders in Greenland to overcoming obstacles in dog training and the unique bond between Rhett and Crown. This is a story of dedication, adventure, and passion for waterfowl and retrievers that you won’t want to miss!
Summary
In this episode of the Flatlander Kennels podcast, Chris Jobman discusses the intricacies of pattern blind casting for retrievers. He explains the three-legged pattern drill, advanced techniques, and the importance of teamwork and handling skills. The conversation also covers how to address cast refusals, the structure of training sessions, and the balance between challenging the dog and managing mental stress. This comprehensive guide aims to help dog owners and trainers enhance their retriever's skills effectively. In this conversation, Chris Jobman and Elliott discuss various aspects of dog training, focusing on the importance of consistency and understanding individual dog behaviors. They emphasize the significance of staying the course in training programs, the nuances of dog delivery techniques, and the characteristics of British dogs, particularly regarding their drive and performance in cold conditions. The dialogue provides insights into common training mistakes and the need for handlers to adapt their methods based on the dog's temperament and abilities.
In this episode of the Flatlander Kennels podcast, Chris Jobman discusses the transition from the Grand event to hunting season, sharing insights on daily routines, hunting experiences, and the training of dogs. He reflects on the recent Grand event, highlighting the pass rates and notable achievements of various dogs, including the challenges faced during training, particularly with sticking issues. The conversation emphasizes the importance of maintaining a calm demeanor during training and the joy of celebrating the successes of both dogs and handlers. In this conversation, Chris Jobman and Elliott discuss various aspects of dog training, particularly focusing on high drive dogs, their performance in trials, and the importance of mental readiness in training. They also touch on breeding considerations and address behavioral concerns when introducing new dogs into a household with existing pets. The dialogue emphasizes the need for patience and proper training techniques to ensure successful outcomes for both dogs and their handlers.
In this episode of the Flatliner Kennels podcast, Chris Jobman and Elliott discuss various dog training techniques, focusing on the flow chart method. They delve into the D-cheat technique, the importance of communication in training, and introduce two key drills: the Wagon Wheel and Spin Drill. The conversation emphasizes the significance of building a strong handler-dog relationship and the need for patience and clarity in training. Common pitfalls in training are also addressed, providing listeners with practical insights to enhance their training sessions. In this conversation, Chris Jobman and Elliott discuss various aspects of dog training, focusing on techniques for preparing dogs for master tests, the importance of team building drills, and the challenges faced when training in different environments. They emphasize the significance of understanding dog behavior, the need for confidence building in timid dogs, and the effective use of training grounds. The conversation also touches on handling bad throws during training, addressing popping issues, and the transition from hunt tests to field trials.