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.

Gun Dog Training ~ Building Confidence

Todd Agnew
May 15, 2025
1 min read

Our happy place!! This is a young cocker that just came to us for Gun Dog training and today we are exposing her to the different terrain that we have right out our back door. Our walks are quiet and we are just letting the cocker do her own thing...building confidence.

For our young dogs, this experience is most beneficial. The exposure of running in the woods for many months cannot be replicated in a training environment. The change in a dog from the first day to when we break camp is not always evident until we return home. It is easy to see the dogs that learn about grouse and woodcock; where they hide, picking up foot scent and crashing the cover. But what about the dog that shows little advancement? These dogs typically are the ones that get the most out of the trip and in many cases, the experience is likely to salvage the dog as a hunting partner.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/f68c63_f4d21391555948e5bc60301616b562f6/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

Do you want a well-behaved hunting dog? We train where the birds are!

All the dogs we work with are developed on wild game in hunting cover with a strong foundation. Hunting your gun dog should not be work!

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/f68c63_2d4d49d1fd644e299e60fd1e5dae9ace/720p/mp4/file.mp4

Contact us if you would like more information about our Spaniel training..

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