Capri is Ms. Pat’s new dog and training partner as they begin their journey toward amateur spaniel field trials.

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.

A New Journey Begins: Ms. Pat and Capri Set Their Sights on The Amateur Spaniel Field Trials

Q: Who is training Capri?

Todd is working through Capri’s training and fine-tuning her development at Craney Hill.

Todd Agnew
43 minutes ago
2 min read

Ms. Pat with her spaniel Capri beginning field trial training — Ms. Pat & Capri

Building the Partnership Between Ms. Pat and Capri

Every new journey with a dog begins with possibility, and that is exactly where Ms. Pat and her new dog, Capri, find themselves.

This is the start of an exciting new chapter as Ms. Pat and Capri begin their journey toward the amateur spaniel field trials. With plenty to look forward to, the focus right now is on building the right foundation and making sure Capri is prepared for everything ahead.

At Craney Hill, we believe good dogs are developed with purpose. That means giving careful attention to training, consistency, and the details that matter most. Todd is currently working through Capri’s training and fine-tuning her development so that each step forward is built on understanding, confidence, and good habits.

That early work matters.

Field trials are about more than natural ability. They require partnership, trust, control, and a dog that understands her job. Capri is in that important stage where all of those pieces are being shaped and polished. Todd’s work with her now is centered on bringing her along correctly, helping her develop into a dog that is not only talented, but reliable and ready for the demands of competition.

Just as important is the partnership between Ms. Pat and Capri. Every successful team is built over time through shared experience, steady progress, and a strong connection between dog and handler. This journey is not only about preparing for the field trials, but about building that relationship along the way.

We are excited to watch Ms. Pat and Capri step into this new season together. Capri’s future is full of promise, and with thoughtful training and careful development, this team is laying the groundwork for a very exciting road ahead. Capri is a Chance x Tilly breeding.

Ms. Pat will also continue to work with her other spaniel Roz for upland hunting & the spaniel field trials.

At Craney Hill, that is how we like to begin — with a good dog, a clear goal, and the commitment to do things the right way.

Want to follow more stories like this and learn how we develop spaniels the right way? Visit www.spanieltraining.com to learn more about our training program and approach. Join The Journal Blog to get all of our tips, and updates.

Our Field Trial Training

Field Trial & Hunt Tests Benifits

FAQ Section

What is an amateur spaniel field trial?

An amateur spaniel field trial is a competitive event where handlers and their spaniels demonstrate hunting ability, control, style, and teamwork in the field.

Why is it important to start training slowly?

Starting slowly allows a dog to develop correctly. Strong foundations in obedience, steadiness, confidence, and field manners lead to better long-term results.

What does fine-tuning a dog’s development mean?

Fine-tuning means polishing the small but important details in a dog’s training, including responsiveness, consistency, confidence, and control in the field.

Who is training Capri?

Todd is currently working through Capri’s training and carefully fine-tuning her development as she prepares for the next stages of her journey.

Why does partnership matter in field trials?

Field trials are about more than talent. A strong handler-and-dog relationship helps build trust, timing, communication, and consistency in competition.