The Spaniel Journal Blog

Blue ribbons for Craney Hill this weekend—Frasier earns a new FC title, with Amateur placements for Dessa and Essie at Cincinnati and Rocky Mountain.

Stop trainer-shopping and start making progress. Learn why trusting your trainer, staying consistent, and avoiding “quick fixes” builds a reliable gun dog and field-ready spaniel.

Looking for a Springer or Cocker spaniel trainer? See what makes a great gun dog trainer and how Spanieltraining.com develops hunting, field trial, and puppy potential.

Marie begins a new chapter with Betty, a high-drive Springer being built the right way—trust, steadiness, exposure, and consistency to turn potential into performance in field trials, hunting, and at home.

Discover the game-changing power of positive reinforcement in dog training. Transform your training sessions with positive reinforcement in dog training.

Snowed in? Send your spaniel south for winter training. Our 4-month program builds better obedience, handling, and manners—ready when spring returns.

Discover why the Young Dog Spotlight is Flush, a Craney Hill Spaniel thriving in Iowa.

Discover effective dog behavior training for spaniels. Transform your energetic spaniel into a well-behaved companion with proven methods.

Meet Kaye, one of our pups from our Betty x Chance breeding. Watch her begin the foundation of clicker training as we focus on building trust, engagement, and thoughtful learning. Learn more about our gun dog training programs at Craney Hill Kennel.

A reflective end-of-season look at the final Springer Open Trials — the miles traveled, lessons learned, and the bonds strengthened between handler and dog.

Unlock effective dog training with proven dog training principles. Learn how operant conditioning can transform your spaniel's behavior today!

"If your dog only listens when the e-collar is on… you don’t have control — you have a crutch."It’s a hard truth for many hunters and field trial handlers: the e-collar is a tool, not the relationship. Relying on it as your only connection to your dog will cost you birds, frustrate your hunting buddies, and ultimately rob you of the joy that comes from hunting with a truly trained partner. Dog Training: More Than Just Pushing a Button

Get your gun dog ready for hunting season and field trials with expert conditioning and roading tips from Spaniel Training by Todd Agnew. Discover why August is the perfect time to start, and set your dog up for peak performance.

Discover takeaways from Todd Agnew’s spaniel training workshop with the Central Ontario Spaniel Club, including relationship-building, handling, and field training techniques.

Learn how we welcome Buzz, our new Springer, into training with simple place board drills using clicker and treats. Warm, effective methods for lasting results.

Prepare your dog for hunting season with expert tips on getting your dog ready. Ensure they're conditioned and trained for a successful hunt.

Discover the transformative lesson in gun dog obedience that changed my training approach. Learn how consistent clarity can improve gun dog obedience!

Struggling with heeling? Learn why your dog still can’t heel—and why it’s not the dog’s fault. Discover how consistency, clarity, and commitment are the keys to building reliable obedience. Start training the right way at www.spanieltraining.com.

It’s easy to feel the pressure.Maybe hunting season is right around the corner. Maybe you’ve got friends bragging about how far along their dog is. Maybe you’ve got your eye on that field trial ribbon or want to prove your dog is the “real deal.” BUT here’s the hard truth: when you start rushing your dog’s training, that’s when things fall apart.We see it all the time. A dog who was on the right path suddenly becomes confused, anxious, or sloppy in the field.

Discover why Poacher is the gentlest spaniel we’ve ever had. A grateful note from California dog owners who found their perfect companion.