Small Dog, Big Impact: Boykins, Hunt Tests & Building Community Through Dogs

Small Dog, Big Impact: Boykins, Hunt Tests & Building Community Through Dogs

What starts with a dog often turns into something much bigger. In this episode of Dog Driven, I sit down with Ed Lynn from Bracey, Virginia, to talk about his journey into the world of Boykin Spaniels, hunt tests, and the community that keeps us all coming back to the line. Ed shares how his passion for dogs evolved from growing up around hunting dogs to training and running his own Boykin Spaniel, Boone, through the hunt test game. We discuss the unique challenges and rewards of training Boykins, lessons learned as a first-time hunt test competitor, and why consistency often matters more than perfection. Beyond the dogs themselves, this conversation explores the friendships, mentorships, and sense of community that hunting dogs create. We also dive into conservation, getting young people involved in the outdoors, and the responsibility we have to preserve hunting traditions for the next generation. Whether you're running hunt tests, chasing ducks with a Boykin, starting your first retriever, or simply love being around driven dogs and driven people, this episode is packed with practical insights and reminders about what makes this lifestyle so rewarding. In this episode, we cover: * Why Ed chose Boykin Spaniels * Challenges and advantages of training Boykins * Stepping into hunt tests as an amateur handler * Lessons learned from training Boone * Building confidence through consistency * The value of the hunt test community * Conservation and outdoor stewardship * Getting youth involved in hunting and dogs * What being truly Dog Driven means Follow Ed's journey with Boone and connect with him on social media as he continues pursuing new goals in the hunt test world and beyond. Because sometimes the smallest dogs leave the biggest impact.

Built, Not Rushed: A Conversation with Blake Haddock of Feather Point Retrievers

From competition coonhounds and racehorses to Master Hunters and professional retriever training, Blake Haddock's journey through the dog world spans more than 35 years. In this episode of Dog Driven, I sit down with Blake, owner and head trainer of Feather Point Retrievers, to discuss his path into dog training, the dogs that shaped his career, and how he built one of the country's most respected pointing Labrador programs. We dive into the realities of breeding hunting dogs, developing natural talent, training pointing Labradors, and why Blake believes great dogs are built—not rushed. He shares lessons learned from training hundreds of dogs, balancing genetics with training, and helping handlers understand that every dog develops at its own pace. Whether you're a retriever owner, hunt test enthusiast, upland hunter, waterfowl hunter, or simply passionate about working dogs, this episode is packed with practical insight and valuable perspective. In this episode, we discuss: • Blake's journey from coonhounds to professional retriever trainer • The dog that launched Feather Point Retrievers • What makes Pointing Labradors unique • Breeding philosophies and building strong bloodlines • Why great dogs are built, not rushed • Training the dog in front of you • Common mistakes handlers make with young dogs • Hunt tests, hunting, and developing versatile retrievers Connect with Blake: Website: FeatherPointRetrievers.com Facebook & Instagram: Feather Point Retrievers Follow Dog Driven: Website: StayDogDriven.com Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow dog enthusiast.

Understanding Diagnostic Tests Pt. 2 - Urinalysis, Radiology & Ultrasound: Looking Beyond the Bloodwork

Understanding Diagnostic Tests Part 2: Urinalysis, Radiology & Ultrasound Spotify Episode Description: Bloodwork is only one piece of the diagnostic puzzle. In Part 2 of the Understanding Diagnostic Tests series, we're diving into three of the most valuable tools veterinarians use to uncover what's happening beneath the surface: urinalysis, radiology, and ultrasound. In this episode, Whitney breaks down how urine testing can provide early clues about kidney disease, diabetes, urinary tract infections, hydration status, and more. You'll also learn what veterinarians are actually looking for on radiographs (x-rays), when ultrasound is recommended, and how these imaging tools help identify issues that bloodwork alone may miss. Whether you're a pet owner, sporting dog handler, hunter, breeder, trainer, or veterinary professional, understanding these diagnostics can help you make more informed decisions about your dog's health and advocate for them when it matters most. In this episode, we discuss: • Why bloodwork doesn't tell the whole story • Urine specific gravity, protein, glucose, ketones, crystals, and sediment evaluation • How urinalysis can help detect disease earlier • What radiographs can and cannot show • Common reasons veterinarians recommend x-rays • How ultrasound differs from radiology • Evaluating the liver, spleen, kidneys, GI tract, and more with ultrasound • Real-world clinical examples showing how multiple diagnostics work together Because being Dog Driven isn't just about performance—it's about understanding what your dog can't tell you.

More Than Training: Trust, Partnership, and the Future of Gundogs with Dr. Anna Ziedins

For nearly 24 years, Dr. Anna Ziedins has dedicated her life to veterinary medicine, hunting, and understanding the incredible bond between dogs and the people who love them. In this episode of Dog Driven, Whitney sits down with Dr. Z to discuss her journey from multiple veterinary school rejections to becoming a respected veterinarian, hunter, and advocate for relationship-based dog training. Together, they explore how gun dog training has evolved over the years, why trust and communication often outperform force and intimidation, and the importance of allowing puppies the time and space to develop naturally. Dr. Z also shares her passion for Fear Free veterinary handling and provides practical advice for helping dogs feel more comfortable during veterinary visits. The conversation also shines a spotlight on the Cesky Fousek, a versatile hunting breed that remains relatively unknown in the United States but has earned a devoted following among hunters who appreciate their drive, versatility, and partnership in the field. Whether you're raising your first hunting dog, training for hunt tests, spending mornings in the duck blind, or simply looking to build a stronger connection with your dog, this episode offers valuable insights from a lifetime spent learning from dogs. In This Episode: • Dr. Z's journey to becoming a veterinarian • The evolution of gun dog training philosophies • The power of the human-animal bond • Why puppies need patience, not pressure • Fear Free veterinary handling explained • Introduction to the Cesky Fousek breed • Preserving hunting heritage for future generations Resources Mentioned: • Cesky Fousek North America • NAVHDA International • Fear Free Pets • Puppy's First Steps (Tufts Veterinary School) and Puppy Culture • Absolutely Positively Gundog Training by Robert Milner Connect with Dog Driven: Website: staydogdriven.com Email: staydogdriven@gmail.com Follow on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok Because great dogs aren't built through shortcuts—they're built through trust, partnership, and time.

Understanding Diagnostic Tests Pt. 1- Bloodwork

Bloodwork is one of the most common diagnostic tools used in veterinary medicine, but most dog owners don't fully understand what those numbers mean or why veterinariansrecommend running labs even when a dog seems healthy. In this episode of Dog Driven, Whitney breaks down the basics of canine bloodwork, including CBCs, chemistry panels, organ function testing, and what veterinarians are lookingfor when they recommend diagnostics. Whether you're managing a performance dog, a hunting companion, or a family pet, understanding bloodwork can help youbecome a better advocate for your dog's health.