The Flatlander Kennels Podcast with Chris Jobman

DescriptionWhat does it really take for an amateur handler to pass the HRC Grand?In this episode, Chris and Elliott sit down with Luke Donofrio, an Army veteran and amateur handler who recently earned his first Grand pass with his dog Cash. Luke shares his journey from buying a dog to hunt over to competing at the highest level of the HRC game.The conversation covers Grand preparation, the importance of solid fundamentals, pre-training with large groups, common mistakes amateur handlers make, and what it felt like to finally get the job done after coming up short in previous attempts.Chris also recaps one of the toughest Grands he has ever attended, discussing difficult test setups, challenging cover conditions, and the lessons learned from a demanding three weeks on the road.Whether you're chasing your first Finished title or dreaming of running the Grand someday, this episode offers an inside look at the process from both a professional trainer's and an amateur handler's perspective.Flight Day AmmunitionPremium steel waterfowl loads designed around maximum payload and exceptional patterns.Use code FLK10 for 10% off.https://www.flightdayammo.comMerino DecoysHand carved custom decoys, dog urn decoys, and one of a kind pieces of waterfowl art crafted by Mike Merino.https://www.merinodecoys.comMammoth Guardian Dog CratesHeavy duty dog crates built to keep your dog safe while traveling. Available in multiple colors with optional accessories including wheel kits and roll cage attachments.https://www.mammothpet.com

Want to check out the Mammoth Guardian Crate?http://www.mammothpet.comChris and I are finally back on the mics after a long break and this one is packed. In this episode we recap a wild fall that included the Grand and the Master National, weeks on the road, and what it looks like behind the scenes when you are juggling two trucks full of dogs and big stakes tests. Chris walks through how the Grand went, why this trip felt like “out with the old and in with the new,” and shares the story of Shaker’s retirement at the line. We also talk about Flash hitting ten Grand passes, why Chris thinks Flash might be the best dog he has ever trained, and what really separates a truly great dog from a merely talented one.From there we dive into the Master National and everything that went sideways. Chris breaks down the confusing judging, how their flight ended up a full day behind, and the unbelievable interference from neighboring landowners that forced them to scrap multiple series and rebuild tests. You will hear honest talk about judging standards, handling pressure when you are running a pile of dogs, and how it feels to have dogs run seven series and still get dropped. Mixed in are some crazy stats on handling unseen marks, updates on the young dogs coming up, and the bittersweet reality of saying goodbye to older warriors who have given everything they have.If you love high level dog work, behind the scenes test talk, and real honesty about what trainers and dogs go through at the Grand and the National, this episode is for you.

Special Thanks for our partners:Big Cottonwood RetrieversGrant and Shari Hatchhttps://www.bigcottonwoodretrievers.net/308-289-6851Mammoth Guardian Dog CrateAvailable on Amazon (search Mammoth Dog Crate)Code:Guardian15 for 15% offChris and Elliott catch up after a busy Double Master at the kennel and dive deep into the HRC Grand with Grand Committee Chairman Tracy Stubbs. Tracy explains how sites are chosen, how judges are paired and trained, what “area of the fall” really means, how blinds are evaluated, and why composure matters as much as control. Chris shares handler insights on finishing blinds, reading marks at distance, and managing nerves across four series plus upland. You will hear how today’s Grand balances power with brains, how the point system works, and why the event is more user friendly while remaining the toughest hunt test around. New partner spotlight is Mammoth Guardian Dog Crates with the roll cage travel attachment and code GUARDIAN15 on Amazon. Shout to Big Cottonwood Retrievers for well bred pups. Join the Flatlander Kennels Podcast Facebook group to ask questions for the next episode.

DescriptionIn this episode of the Flatlander Kennels Podcast, Chris Jobman and Elliott Snider welcome special guest Grant Hatch of Big Cottonwood Retrievers. Grant shares his personal origin story—how a backyard lab led him into waterfowl hunting, training, and eventually building one of the most respected retriever breeding programs in the country.The conversation covers everything from Sugar, his very first lab, to the challenges of sending a dog off for training, and the journey into breeding. Grant discusses pairing philosophy, medical standards, and what it takes to responsibly raise dogs that excel in the field, at hunt tests, and as family companions. Along the way, Chris and Grant reflect on unforgettable dogs, memorable hunt test experiences, and the rewarding relationships that come from the retriever world.If you’re interested in high-quality retrievers, breeding insights, and the story behind Big Cottonwood Retrievers, this episode is packed with value.Big Cottonwood Retrievers – Contact Information🌐 Website: bigcottonwoodretrievers.net📱 Phone: 308-289-6851📍 Facebook & Instagram: Big Cottonwood Retrievers

🎉 Partner Spotlight: Big Cottonwood RetrieversWe’re proud to be partnered with Big Cottonwood Retrievers, owned and operated by Grant and Sheri Hatch. If you're looking for high-quality Labrador puppies from proven hunting lines, Big Cottonwood Retrievers is the place to go. They use several Flatlander Kennels stud dogs in their program, and we train a lot of their pups—so we can vouch for the drive, intelligence, and talent of these dogs.📍 Located in Nebraska📞 Phone: (308) 289-6851🌐 website: https://www.bigcottonwoodretrievers.net📘 Facebook: Big https://www.bigcottonwoodretrievers.net/Cottonwood RetrieversBig changes are coming to the Master National—and not everyone is happy about it.In this episode of The Flatlander Kennels Podcast, Elliott Snider and pro trainer Chris Jobman dive deep into the recent announcement limiting total entries at the 2026 Master National to around 840 dogs. Chris doesn't hold back as he shares how this decision is impacting pros, clients, and the future of the sport.They cover:Why the decision feels like a slap in the face to professional trainersHow it cuts income and opportunity for working dog handlersThe growing divide between amateurs and pros in retriever eventsWhy this may signal the decline—or even the end—of the Master National as we know itA hint at a new game on the horizon that could change everythingIf you care about the future of retriever hunt tests, this is a must-listen.🔥 Join the conversation on the Flatlander Kennels Facebook Group and make sure to Follow the new Flatlander Kennels Page to share episodes more easily.

In this episode, Chris Jobman and Elliott Snider dive into the foundational steps of running cold blinds. Chris breaks down how to set up early cold blind work, body positioning, cast refusals, indirect pressure, and when to start adding complexity. Whether you're on land or water, the key is patience, simplicity, and building confidence. This one’s full of practical advice for both amateurs and seasoned trainers looking to sharpen their blind work.

In Part 2 of this Flatlander Kennels roundtable, Chris Jobman leads a powerhouse Q&A session alongside Chris Akin (Webfooted Kennels), Eric Teson (Habitat Flats Kennels), and Rhett Riddle (Bay Creek Kennels). These top-tier trainers tackle questions straight from the Flatlander Kennels Podcast Facebook Group, covering topics like:Building confidence in the waterTraining dogs to fight wind and hold their linesPuppy training philosophy and exposureMarking drills for tighter huntsAuto-casting and scent cone avoidanceWhether you're new to hunt tests or prepping for the Grand, this episode is packed with wisdom, laughs, and hard-earned advice from some of the best in the business.

What separates a good dog handler from a great one? In this episode, Chris Jobman and Elliott Snider sit down with Rhett Riddle and Dave Marsteller to break down what it really takes to grow as a handler. From timing whistles to reading lead changes, developing routines to staying calm under pressure — this conversation is packed with insight for both amateurs and pros looking to get better at the line.