What is included in the online spaniel training course?

The course includes step-by-step dog training videos focused on shaping behavior, building obedience, and teaching your dog how to learn.

Is this course only for spaniels?

No. While it is ideal for spaniel owners and gun dog handlers, the course principles also apply to companion dogs and other sporting dogs.

Is this good for puppies?

Yes. This course is especially helpful for owners who want to start puppies the right way with clear expectations and low-pressure learning.

Can I do this training at home?

Yes. The course is designed for owners who want professional instruction they can follow from home.

What is your training philosophy?

Our training philosophy centers on understanding the dog's perspective and building a strong relationship based on trust and communication. We believe in a relationship-based approach where the handler learns to communicate effectively with their dog, avoiding confusion and fostering a well-behaved, confident spaniel.

What types of training programs do you offer?

We offer a variety of training programs tailored to the needs of your spaniel, including basic obedience, advanced field skills, and specialized training for bird hunting, spaniel field trials, and hunt tests. Our programs include Puppy Development, Started Dogs, Finished Dogs, Field Trial Development, and an Online Video Training Library. Each program is designed to build a strong relationship between you and your dog, ensuring effective communication and trust.

How can I train my spaniel for bird hunting?

Training a spaniel for bird hunting starts long before you ever step foot in a field. The best hunting dogs aren't created through a single drill or shortcut — they're developed through consistent foundations, confidence-building, and real bird exposure. At Craney Hill Kennel, we follow a proven progression that works for spaniels of all ages and natural abilities. Our programs cover everything from basic obedience and steadiness to quartering, flushing, and retrieving in the field.

What are the benefits of training a spaniel for hunt tests or field trials?

Training your spaniel for hunt tests or field trials provides structured goals that push both dog and handler to higher levels of performance. The discipline required for competition produces a more reliable, responsive hunting companion in the field. Field trials and hunt tests also connect you with a community of passionate spaniel enthusiasts, provide objective benchmarks for your dog's progress, and ensure your training methods meet the highest standards in the sport.

Where are your training facilities located?

Our training facilities are located in Mitchell, Georgia and northern Michigan. These locations provide a variety of cover, terrain, woods, and water essential for developing flushing gundogs. The climate in Georgia during winter months is favorable for consistent training, while summer and fall training takes place in northern Michigan to take advantage of cooler temperatures and diverse upland habitat.

What level of commitment do you expect from clients?

We expect clients to be fully committed to their dog's development and to maintaining the training standards established during their program. This includes following through on homework assignments, attending scheduled training sessions, and practicing consistently between sessions. The relationship between handler and dog is central to our training philosophy, so owner involvement and dedication are essential to achieving lasting results.

What are some of your achievements in spaniel training?

Todd Agnew has a proven track record in spaniel field trials, having developed numerous dogs that have won and placed in various competitions. He has been featured in Garden & Gun magazine as one of the South's best gundog trainers. Our training programs are designed to meet the highest standards and expectations, helping clients achieve their goals with their flushing gundogs.

The Craney Hill
Puppy Foundation

The First Lessons That Shape Every Future Gun Dog

The Craney Hill Puppy Foundation

The First Lessons That Shape Every Future Gun Dog

A Strong Beginning Matters

Every well-trained gun dog begins with a foundation.

Long before the birds, the retrieves, or advanced obedience, there is a relationship built on clear communication, proper timing, and trust.

In The Craney Hill Puppy Foundation, Todd shares the same early lessons he has used for decades to start young hunting dogs and field trial prospects. Working with real puppies, Todd demonstrates each exercise while explaining not only what to teach, but why those first lessons matter.

This isn't a scripted production or a collection of training theories.

It's an opportunity to watch how puppies are started every day at Craney Hill Kennel.

Inside the Foundation

Filmed during real training sessions, you'll follow Todd as he works through the first building blocks of a young dog's education, including:

Building engagement
Clicker and reward timing
Teaching Here
Teaching Hup
Introducing Kennel
Beginning work with the touch stick
Developing focus and confidence
Building a relationship before formal training begins

Each lesson is demonstrated with multiple puppies, allowing you to see different personalities, learning styles, and how Todd adjusts his approach while staying true to the same philosophy.

Why These Early Lessons Matter

The habits developed during a puppy's first months often influence everything that follows.

Rather than rushing ahead, Todd focuses on creating understanding, confidence, and communication—one lesson at a time.

That simple philosophy has helped develop dependable hunting companions, successful field trial dogs, and owners who better understand the dogs in front of them.

Is This Right for You?

Whether you're bringing home your first puppy or starting your next hunting companion, this foundation is designed to help you begin with clarity and confidence.

If you've ever wondered how Todd starts young dogs at Craney Hill Kennel, this is where the journey begins.

Lifetime Access

The Craney Hill Puppy Foundation is available as a one-time purchase, giving you lifetime access so you can return to the lessons whenever your next puppy arrives.