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 Training Philosophy | Building Better Gun Dogs Through Proven Principles

Todd Agnew
3 days ago
1 min read

Craney Hill Training Philosophy
Todd Agnew training thoughts

Building Better Gun Dogs Starts with Better Foundations

Every dog teaches us something.

Some lessons come quickly. Others take years to truly understand. After a lifetime spent training spaniels, running field trials, hunting wild birds, and working with owners from across the country, one thing has remained constant:

Good gun dogs are never built by shortcuts. They're built by principles.

At Craney Hill Kennel, our training has never been about chasing trends or looking for the quickest answer. It has always been about understanding the dog standing in front of us, building a relationship first, and creating a foundation that lasts for a lifetime.

That's why we've created The Craney Hill Training Philosophy—a place where we share the beliefs, principles, and ideas that have shaped every dog we've ever trained.

Whether you're raising your first puppy or preparing a seasoned field trial dog, we hope these thoughts help you see training through a different lens.

Because in the end...

It's not just about producing better gun dogs. It's about developing better handlers, stronger partnerships, and dogs that people are proud to own for the rest of their lives.

Explore The Craney Hill Training Philosophy

"Methods may change. Equipment may change. But the principles behind great dog training never do."— Todd Agnew

Craney Hill Kennel gun dog training philosophy.