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.

Field Trial News from Craney Hill: Placements and a New AFC

Todd Agnew

3 hours ago

3 min read

Field Trial News from Craney Hill: Placements and a New AFC

Some news makes you proud of the dogs in front of you. Some brings you right back to the dogs who came before them. Lately, we’ve had plenty of both at Craney Hill.

From Lyric and Chance at the Central States Springer Field Trial to Simon’s placement in Central Wisconsin and a new AFC title for Dewars, there is quite a bit to celebrate. The ribbons and titles mean a great deal. So do the owners, handlers, and familiar family connections behind them.

At the Central States Springer Field Trial, **FC Crosswinds Lyric earned first place**, handled by Todd Agnew for owner Betsey Battistoni. Those beautiful trophies certainly deserve a moment of their own. A special win for Betsey and Lyric, and another reason for us to be proud of this Riot son.

FC Crosswinds Lyric — First Place at Central States — FC Crosswinds Lyric, owned by Betsey Battistoni and handled by Todd Agnew, earned first place at the Central States Springer Field Trial. A proud result for this Riot son.

Right alongside that news came **second place for NFC FC NFTCH FTCH Crosswinds Watch This — Chance**, also handled by Todd, for owner Cheryl Spearling. Chance is a Dudley son, which adds something personal to an already lovely result. Seeing these dogs carry on in the field brings a little of their father back to us.

NFC FC NFTCH FTCH Crosswinds Watch This — Chance -Takes Second at Central States — NFC FC NFTCH FTCH Crosswinds Watch This — Chance, owned by Cheryl Spearling and handled by Todd Agnew, earned second place at the Central States Springer Field Trial. A Dudley son keeping us proud.

There was more good news from the **Central Wisconsin Spaniel Field Trial**, where **FC Craney Hill Dark Side of the Moon — Simon** earned a placement with Todd handling for owner Jeff Ford. Another Dudley son and Riot Grandson giving us something to smile about. Congratulations, Jeff.

FC Craney Hill Dark Side of the Moon — Simon at Central Wisconsin — FC Craney Hill Dark Side of the Moon — Simon, owned by Jeff Ford and handled by Todd Agnew, earned a placement at the Central Wisconsin Spaniel Field Trial.

Then came a message from Kent McKeever: **Dewars had earned his AFC title.**

Now **FC AFC Rancho Mistletoe’s Double Shot — Dewars**, he was simply M2 when he was a puppy here at Craney Hill. We remember the little dog before the official name and the titles, so hearing this news has a feeling all its own.

New AFC — FC AFC Rancho Mistletoe’s Double Shot — Congratulations to Kent McKeever and new AFC Dewars, a Dudley × Dixie son once known as M2 here at Craney Hill. Thank you to Ray Hankins for handling him in the trials.

Kent shared a special thank-you to Ray Hankins, who has been handling Dewars while Kent has been unable to handle him in the trials. He also thanked Craney Hill for “this very special dog,” adding that Dewars gets a lot of compliments.

A Dudley × Dixie pup, still making people smile. Thank you, Kent, for keeping us part of his story, and congratulations to you and Dewars on this achievement. Our thanks to Ray for his part in helping them reach it.

A weekend in the field also depends on people whose names don’t appear beside a placement. Our sincere thanks to the **Central Wisconsin Spaniel Club** & to the **Central States Springer Club**, the judges, gunners, club members, volunteers, and everyone who gave their time to make the event possible. There is a great deal of work behind every opportunity for a dog and handler to step into the field.

I hear there was a lovely banquet gathering that the Central States Club put on, we always appreciate when clubs make room for that. Time around a table gives people a chance to catch up, share stories, and enjoy the company beyond the trial grounds. Those friendships matter.

And I suppose I should give Todd a little credit for handling Lyric, Chance, and Simon. While I was back here in Georgia, so I’ll have to assume he did a good job. The ribbons seem to back him up. Good thing he brought home a blue ribbon. Wink, Wink!!! Inside joke here at Craney Hill Kennel...

Congratulations to the dogs and their people. We’re proud to have a part in these stories—and grateful whenever you share the next chapter with us.

More dogs, field stories, and lessons from Craney Hill can be found in The Craney Hill Journal.