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.

Where Gun Dog Training Meets the Hunt

Todd Agnew
1 day ago
1 min read

springer spaniel delivering to hand a rooster pheasant on public hunting grounds

A Gundog That Hunts With You

Wild birds. Public ground. Tall grass.

And the kind of moments every gun dog is ultimately trained for.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/f68c63_7e6b2338e7b940cab7a112f74c5bbb58/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

Some things are hard to explain until you’ve experienced them.

A good dog working close.

A wild bird getting up.

A moment you didn’t know was coming.

That’s why we train the way we do.

Not simply to build a dog that finds birds—but a gun dog that understands its job, works with its handler, and becomes the kind of dog you look forward to hunting over season after season.

Train for the hunt. Build the relationship. Enjoy the moments.

Learn more about our gun dog training programs.

Iowa upland hunting with a springer spaniel

There comes a point when the drills, the repetition, and all those hours of training have to become something more. On wild birds and open ground, you find out what you and your gundog have built together.

#CraneyHillKennel #GunDogTraining #PheasantHunting #UplandHunting