Spaniel Field Trials
Are You Serious About Field Trials?
We Are!!
Our kennel has been blessed with great dogs that have been successful
in the field not only for us but for our clients as well.
2023 National Open Championship Winner with Chance & Frasier gets a CM - Handled by Todd
2023 National Cocker Amateur High Point with Bailee - Handled by David Atkins
2023 National Open Cocker Championship Kaya gets a CM - Handled by Todd
2022 National Open High Point with DJ - Handled by Todd
2021 Andre Wins the Canadian Amateur Championship with Judy & gets a CM with Minnie
2020 National Amateur Championship Scott and Dibbs get a CM
2019 Betsey Wins with Riot at the Canadian Amateur Championship
2018 National Open Championship Winner with Riot & Dudley gets a CM - Handled by Todd
2017 National Open High Point with Dudley - Handled by Todd
"We all have expectations to different degrees. Our spaniel field trial expectations at Craney Hill Kennel are extremely high for our dogs. The theory is that if we set our standard to an almost unattainable level, when we fall short, our dogs will still be very talented animals. I cannot express to you how difficult it is to keep a high standard. This is not because we are kennel blind…quite the opposite. It is hard to keep such a high standard because the standard promoted by others is so low that it becomes difficult to continually explain why you can or cannot do something."
We provide specialized spaniel field trial training at our home facility in Georgia. Our grounds offer an unlimited variety of cover, terrain, woods and water. With all of this variety, we are able to develop your English springer spaniel or English cocker spaniel and have it gain experience throughout the winter months to be campaigned in the spring and fall. Contact us to learn how we can get the development done that your dog needs! Winter in Georgia offers a terrific climate when most of the Country is dealing with bad weather.
Sometimes, we have some dogs ready. More often, we have some in development that we are looking to place with people interested in having their dogs campaigned on the spaniel field trial circuit. This is not an inexpensive proposition, but has many rewards in the form of success, friendships and competition. It should be viewed as a 2-3 year commitment to secure and develop appropriate dogs and campaign them to see if the dog has what it takes to win at spaniel field trials. If the dog does not make it, you should expect to have a wonderful upland shooting dog to enjoy.
To be in our field trial development program, it requires a long term commitment. Starting with an 8 week old puppy, it is $7,200 the first year and then $14,400 to $17,000 per year (plus entry fees, prorated travel expenses and Vet fees) and probably another two years to see if the dog has what it takes. The alternative is to start with a trained dog, which is a $7,500 to $25,000 cost, and depending on the age of the dog you purchase, you can cut down on the development time before starting to campaign the dog. The trained dog (if a prospect is available) saves money and time, but most important, you know what you have as compared to starting with a puppy.
We were introduced and connected with Todd and Christina through a mutual friend who had brought their spaniel to them for training. We were head over heels for our friend’s spaniel and knew that we wanted to have one on our own. River has been the perfect addition and we couldn’t love him more. Being able to see the process he has made in training from the first time he came home with us at the end of 2020, to now having him home for the summer of 2022 with us is incredible. They are extremely phenomenal and knowledgeable at what they do, but they not only look to serve the dogs, but teach and pour into you along the way. Todd can break down everything you need to know so you are able to best serve your dog, while also learning yourself. To them, this is much more than just dog training. They invest in every single person they encounter and have made a forever impact on our lives. They have poured into us, challenged us, and opened a new door to find new interests and passions that we would have never learned or become a part of without them. They create a family within their clients, and we are forever grateful that we get to experience this with them. We are so thankful for their investment not only in River’s life, but our lives as well. They do everything with such professionalism and intention that nothing is done without thought and you can so tangibly see that. We not only gained an incredible dog when we connected with them, but what feels like a second family. We are ever so grateful for Craney Hill!
With Love,
Tanner and Reagan