Spaniel Training Workshop Recap: Todd Agnew & Central Ontario Spaniel Club
- Todd Agnew
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
This past weekend, the Central Ontario Spaniel Club was privileged to host Todd Agnew of Craney Hill Kennel for an in-depth spaniel training workshop. From seasoned handlers to eager newcomers, everyone walked away with fresh insights into relationship building, handling finesse, and field-ready training techniques.
Sharing Expertise in the Field
Todd began the day with a clear overview of his training philosophy: build trust first, then layer in drills that strengthen both dog and handler. Through live demonstrations with multiple spaniels, he illustrated how subtle cues—body posture, voice inflection, and timing—can transform a dog’s response in the field. The group witnessed many dogs evolve in real time.
Patient, Thorough, and Kind Instruction
What truly set this workshop apart was Todd’s patience. Whether demonstrating clicker and treats or steadiness exercises, he guided each handler (and their dogs) step by step, taking time to answer questions and troubleshoot common mistakes. His kindness shone through in every interaction—no question was too small, and no dog was rushed. The result was a learning environment where everyone felt supported and motivated.
Building Lasting Relationships
Beyond the mechanics of marking and flushing, Todd emphasized the importance of the dog–handler bond. Through drills designed to foster mutual trust—simple place board drills with clicker reinforcement, for example—he showed how a strong relationship translates to consistency in the field. Handlers left with a renewed appreciation for patience, praise, and clear communication.
Continuing the Learning Journey
The weekend’s lessons are just the beginning. Todd shares a few short training videos on Facebook and Instagram, covering topics from advanced retrieves to conditioning for competition. The Craney Hill Kennel website is a treasure trove of articles, how-to guides, and puppy development tips. We encourage all dog owners to explore the wealth of resources available and to revisit the techniques that were demonstrated this weekend.
A Special Thanks—and What’s Next
"A huge thank you to Todd Agnew for his generosity and expertise. Your thorough explanations and hands-on coaching made this weekend unforgettable. I know my wee Cocker, Gem, is already looking forward to the next session!"
Julie
"Thank you all for welcoming me so warmly this past weekend and for your enthusiastic participation throughout our spaniel training seminar. It was a pleasure to work alongside each of you, sharing techniques in relationship building, handling, and field training. A big thank you to Ms. Bev and her husband for doing all of the work behind the scenes to make this happen. Thank you Julie for pre seminar advertising.."
Todd
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Here’s to many more weekends of learning, progress, and partnership with our spaniels!
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