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 First Win, a First Ribbon, and More to Celebrate at The Stillwater FT

Todd Agnew

4 minutes ago

2 min read

Celebrating Simon’s second place, Capri’s first ribbon, and John Dunn and Clair’s Amateur win at Stillwater. Photography by Lindsay Keller. — Celebrating Simon’s second place, Capri’s first all-age ribbon at the Stillwater FT. Photography by Lindsay Keller.

# A First Win, a First Ribbon, and More to Celebrate at Stillwater

There was plenty to celebrate at the Stillwater Spaniel Field Trial, with Simon, Capri, and Clair each bringing home a ribbon—and each giving their people a reason to be proud.

**FC Craney Hill Dark Side of the Moon, “Simon,”** earned second place with Todd handling for owner Jeff Ford. A Dudley son and Riot grandson, Simon carries a family connection that makes watching him succeed especially meaningful to us. Seeing those generations represented in the field never gets old.

For **Craney Hill Must Be Having Fun All Wrong, “Capri,”** fourth place brought a milestone of her own: her first big-girl ribbon. Owned by Pat Ford and handled by Todd, this Chance × Tilly youngster gave us another lovely reason to smile. There is something special about that first all-age ribbon—the work that leads to it, the promise it represents, and the people who have believed in the dog along the way.

John Dunn and Clair’s Amateur win at Stillwater. Photography by Lindsay Keller.

Then came a first-place finish in the Stillwater Amateur Spaniel Field Trial for **Cove Creek Clair De Lune JH, “Clair,”** owned by John and Mona Dunn and handled by John.

John and Clair, we hope you took a moment to enjoy this one. We know the time and effort that go into developing a partnership with a dog, and we were delighted to see you rewarded with a win.

Results like these belong to the dogs, their handlers, and the owners who support the work. They also depend on a whole community willing to give its time to the sport.

Our thanks to the club, judges, gunners, marshal in charge, bird planter, property owners, and every volunteer who helped make this trial possible. There is a great deal of work behind a day in the field, and we appreciate the people who make it happen.

A special thank-you goes to Lindsay Keller, who helped Todd with the dogs and lent a hand with John’s dogs as well. With me unable to help, having Lindsay there meant a great deal. Apparently, she added “dog schlepper” to her résumé—and Lindsay, you’re hired.

Congratulations to Jeff and Simon, Pat and Capri, and John, Mona, and Clair. Three ribbons, some meaningful milestones, and good people there to share them. Plenty to be thankful for at the Stillwater FT.

*Photography by Lindsay Keller.*

Field Trial Date: Oct 31-Nov 1, 2026

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