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.

The Dogs That Shaped Me — A New Series Begins

Todd Agnew
1 day ago
2 min read

The Dogs That Shaped Me

A lifetime of training told through remarkable dogs.

Every trainer has a handful of dogs they never forget.

Some earned championships. Some never stood on a podium. Yet each one left behind something far more valuable than a ribbon—a lesson.

Over the years, people have often asked Todd about the dogs that influenced him the most. Not simply the winners, but the dogs that quietly shaped the way he thinks, trains, hunts, and understands the partnership between handler and dog.

Today we’re proud to introduce a new ongoing series inside The Craney Hill Journal called The Dogs That Shaped Me.

This collection is different from anything we’ve published before.

These aren’t pedigrees or competition records.

They’re personal reflections.

Stories about remarkable gun dogs, unforgettable moments, quiet lessons, and the qualities that continue to influence every dog trained at Craney Hill today.

We begin where so much of our story began…

Read The First Story

Lil — All Business

A reflection by Todd Agnew

Read the Story →

Read Lil’s Story

P.S.

If you haven't visited The Craney Hill Journal recently, we'd love to have you stop by. We have some exciting new ideas and articles coming soon, including a new series called "What Would Todd Do?"—a closer look at how Todd approaches some of the most common training questions we hear from spaniel owners.

The Craney Hill Journal

Thank you for reading The Craney Hill Journal.

Christina & Todd Agnew

Craney Hill Kennel

Craney Hill Kennel

Developing Better Dogs.

Building Better Handlers.

Why We Write

The Craney Hill Journal exists to preserve the lessons, observations, and philosophy that have shaped our lives with gun dogs. We believe understanding a dog always comes before changing one.