EP 55: From Hunt Tests to Field Trials w/ JD Babb
From Hunt Test Hobo Podcast by Chris Rud
April 7, 2026 · 1h 21m · Season 3 · Episode 55
About this episode
JD Babb discusses the transition from hunt tests to field trials in retriever training.
JD Babb joins the podcast to break down one of the most interesting transitions in the retriever game—going from hunt tests to field trials. We dig into what it actually takes to make that jump, the mistakes that will humble you fast, and why JD had to completely rethink how he trains dogs. From letting young dogs develop over time to handling massive all-age blinds, this episode is packed with real insight for anyone serious about improving. JD also shares his journey—from throwing birds for...
People in this episode
Host: Chris Rud
Guest: JD Babb
Topics covered
- hunt tests
- field trials
- retriever training
- dog handling
- training mistakes
- dog development
Keywords
- hunt tests
- field trials
- retriever game
- dog training
- handling blinds
- training mistakes
- dog development
More episodes of Hunt Test Hobo Podcast
- EP 62: Well-Placed Birds and Better Marking Dogs · June 11, 2026 · 1h 14m
- EP 61: Building the Future of the Retriever Game · June 2, 2026 · 1h 7m
- EP 60: Grand Recap: There’d Still Be Dogs in Kentucky Looking for That Bird · May 28, 2026 · 55 min
- EP 59: Bill Hillman on Balance, Multiples, and Amateur Mistakes · May 19, 2026 · 1h 4m
- EP 58: The Most Powerful Tool in Retriever Training??? With Dan Ihrke · May 12, 2026 · 1h 24m
- EP 57: Dale Swiderski: Building the Dual-Purpose Dog · April 21, 2026 · 1h 7m
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