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.

Why Most Gun Dog Owners Stay Stuck (And How to Keep Improving Between Training Sessions)

Todd Agnew
6 hours ago
2 min read

See Todd's Training Philosophy in Action

Reading about training is one thing. Watching it unfold in real time is another.

In this training session, you'll see how Todd approaches a common challenge, explains what the dog is communicating, and makes decisions based on the dog's understanding—not emotion or guesswork.

This is exactly the kind of real-world instruction our Craney Hill Video Training Library members receive every week. Watch this video below, then imagine having access to an entire library built around this same training approach.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/f68c63_2be91a1576064cc8ab8ac2844a8672d9/720p/mp4/file.mp4

Did this change the way you think about training?

Imagine having an entire library of lessons like this—covering puppy development, obedience, retrieving, steadiness, bird work, handling, and field trial preparation.

Stop guessing. Start understanding.

Most people don't struggle because they don't love their dog. They struggle because

they simply don't know what comes next. One day the dog heels beautifully, the next

day retrieving falls apart or steadiness disappears. Many handlers search YouTube,

ask Facebook groups, and end up with conflicting advice instead of clarity.

Information Isn't Understanding

The problem isn't a lack of information. It's knowing what matters, when to move

forward, when to slow down, and how to read the dog in front of you. Great training

comes from understanding, not collecting tips.

Why Real Training Matters

Most videos show polished dogs. Our Video Training Library shows the learning

process—mistakes, corrections, timing, and the decisions Todd makes during real

training sessions. That is where the biggest lessons are found.

Train With Todd Anywhere

Whether you're developing a puppy, polishing obedience, improving retrieving,

building steadiness, or preparing for hunting season and field trials, the library keeps

you learning even when you can't train with us in person.

Want to keep learning?

Join the Craney Hill Video Training Library. New training. Real dogs. Real lessons.

Keep Learning

Todd's Takeaway

Don't judge today's training by today's results. Judge it by whether your dog understood today's lesson. Progress comes from clarity, not speed.

See Todd's Training Philosophy in Action

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