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.

Good Dogs, Good Company, and Results Worth Celebrating

Todd Agnew

4 minutes ago

3 min read

Recent Spaniel Field Trial Results

There is always pleasure in bringing home a ribbon. There is just as much in receiving a photograph or a message from an owner whose dog has done well. These recent field trial results have given us several reasons to smile at Craney Hill—both for the dogs Todd has handled and for those stepping to the line with their owners.

Each deserves a mention, along with the people who have put their time and trust into these dogs.

Monty and Chance at Western New York

At the Western NY Open Field Trial, Todd handled **Monty to Third Place** and **Chance to Fourth Place**.

Monty—**STRONG'S EKKI-EKKI-EKKI-EKKI-PTANG ZOOM-BOING!**—is owned by Scott. Chance—**NFC FC NFTCH FTCH Crosswinds Watch This**—is owned by Cheryl.

Our warm congratulations to Scott and Cheryl on the placements of these two fine dogs. Thank you, too, to the judges, gunners, and club members for putting on a lovely trial for everyone.

Another Win for Chance

Chance also took **First Place at the Pittsburgh Springer Field Trial**, handled by Todd.

Over the years, Chance has given us many occasions to appreciate his ability, experience, and heart. We remain grateful for every opportunity to work with him and to walk to the line together.

Our sincere thanks to Cheryl and Anthony for their continued trust. Sharing in the career of a dog of Chance’s calibre is a privilege.

There is a personal thread running through his success as well: Chance is a son of **FC Craney Hill Dalmore Dudley**. Dudley meant a great deal to Craney Hill, and seeing his offspring continue to find birds and do their work so well brings its own quiet pleasure.

Thank you to the Pittsburgh Springer club, judges, gunners, and volunteers for the time and care that made the trial possible.

Patrick and Huey

Congratulations to **Patrick and Craney Hill Golden Boy, “Huey,”** on their placement at the **Patriot Sporting Spaniel Field Trial**.

A Chance × Tilly pup, Huey is growing into a handsome young dog. It is lovely to follow his progress and to hear how he and Patrick are getting on together.

Keep at it, Patrick, and keep sending those updates. We love seeing where the two of you go from here.

David and Cheater

Our congratulations also go to **David Atkins and Fallen Wings Cheeto, “Cheater,”** on their placement at the **Central Wisconsin Cocker Field Trial**.

David owns and handles Cheater, and we were delighted to hear their news. There is a great deal of work behind any day at a trial; we hope they took a moment to enjoy this one.

Sue and Essie

**Sue Myers and Carolina Finnesse, “Essie,”** earned a placement at the **Tilden Valley Springer Field Trial**, with Sue both owning and handling her.

We had the pleasure of training Essie, so seeing her put that work to use with Sue is especially rewarding. That is what we hope for when a dog leaves Craney Hill: an owner and dog who can carry their training forward together.

Essie is also a granddaughter of Dudley, making this news a little sweeter. Thank you, Sue, for sharing the photograph and the result. We are very happy for you both. Essie is also the granddaughter of Sue's Lighthouse Finn.

With Our Thanks

To all of these owners, congratulations—and thank you for letting us share in your dogs’ lives.

We are grateful, too, to the clubs, judges, gunners, and volunteers who make these trials possible. Their work gives dogs and handlers the opportunity to test their training, gain experience, and enjoy good company in the field.

These are results worth celebrating. We are pleased to have them recorded here in the Journal.