#16 | Senior Sporting Dogs, Nutrition & the Journey to Versatile Dogs with Dr. RuthAnn Lobos
Release Date: 02/13/2025
#16 | Senior Sporting Dogs, Nutrition & the Journey to Versatile Dogs with Dr. RuthAnn Lobos
Bird Dog of the Day
Dr. Ruth Ann Lobos has spent two decades in veterinary medicine, working with Purina and the sporting dog community to promote peak canine health. A lifelong athlete and an “adult-onset hunter,” she discovered the sporting dog world during COVID, eventually leading her Labrador, Finn, into the field. Now, she’s navigating the transition from a high-energy retriever to a senior gun dog while raising a new Wirehaired Pointing Griffon pup, Journey. In this episode, we cover: Recovery tips for senior hunting dogs and why keeping them lean is key to longevity The signs of hidden pain in...
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#15 | "That one dog" with Kali Parmley
Bird Dog of the Day
On today's episode we sit down with our friend, Utah-based Kali Parmley. Kali is the Editor-in-Chief of Gun Dog Magazine, Backcountry Hunter Magazine and the host of “Wild Upland” on the Outdoor Channel TV network. An avid upland hunter focused on DIY public land hunts, she currently runs two English setters, in Jones and Trek. Kali is as approachable as she is knowledgeable about upland hunting - and a true gem in the outdoor editorial space. Sit back and get ready for a good one as we discuss: The one who started it all - her beloved lab, family-dog-turned-hunter and “lifetime...
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#14 | NAVHDA Complete Overview, with GSP breeder/trainer Angie Coenen
Bird Dog of the Day
On today's episode we sit down with Angie Coenen, the owner of Hurricane Kennels, and a senior judge with NAVHDA (North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association). As a GSP breeder, trainer and judge, she gives us great perspective and detailed breakdowns of the following: The NAVHDA Natural Ability test & how it works The NAVHDA Utility Test & how it works The NAVHDA Invitational & how it works WHy she switched from Brittanys to GSPs How her first GSP changed her life and helped her start her own German Shorthair kennel As a judge, who stood out the most to her in the NAVHDA...
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#13 | The Accidental Bird Dog with Terry Ann Fernanado
Bird Dog of the Day
On today's episode we chat with Terry Ann Fernando, author of The Accidental Bird Dog. Terry Ann’s 11 year old Hungarian Vizsla, Zara, has been famously called the Accidental Bird Dog. Terry Ann’s initial plans for Zara, were simple: a loyal running partner and companion with no intention of hunting. But when Zara unexpectedly earns perfect scores at her first hunting test, Terry Ann discovers a hidden talent that changes everything. Soon after, Terry Ann decided she wanted to train her to a more advanced level and that began a long journey that has taken her places she never imagined....
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#12 | Calling Ducks & Hunting Utah's Uplands with 4 English Setters, with Brett Wonnacott
Bird Dog of the Day
On today's episode we chat with Brett Wonnacott. Brett is an avid bird hunter from northern Utah, or more specifically - a hardcore waterfowler turned upland hunting extraordinaire. He has competed in the world duck calling contest in Stuttgart, won awards in field trials and NASTRA - along with his 4 English Setters. He’s a passionate storyteller, an author of a bird hunting book and a friend to many in the bird hunting community. Sit back and listen as we cover his story out west, including: Why his passion transformed from hunting ducks to hunting upland His journey to competing on the...
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#11 | Northwoods Grouse Camp & Gordon Setters with Jake Perry
Bird Dog of the Day
On today's episode we sit down with Jake Perry, the owner of Superior Upland. Jake runs a working man’s Grouse Camp in the famed Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where he guides ruffed grouse and woodcock hunts and trains bird dogs. He specializes in grouse contacts in the Northwoods. He runs Gordon Setters, a GSP, a Bracco, plus has a few older labs back at home. We met Jake at Pheasant Fest in Sioux Falls this year, along with his young Gordon setter, Gordy - and he’s one of the kindest guys we've met. Sit back for a talk that will have you chomping at the bit to hunt with Jake at his...
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#10 | Hunting Griffs & Partnering with your Bird Dog, with George DeCosta Jr.
Bird Dog of the Day
On today's episode we sit down with the inspirational and experienced bird dog trainer, Griffon breeder and author, George DeCosta Jr. George is a fantastic storyteller, a class act and the author of a few 5-star rated books, including “Tips and Tales: On Training your Bird Dog”. He focuses on enhancing the bond and partnership between man and dog and using whatever technique helps the dog understand. His joy and passion for helping dogs and people is immediately apparent when you hear him speak. His brand new book, Tales with Tails: From the Heart of a Man who Loves Life and Bird...
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#9 | Respecting Gamebirds via Immaculate Photography with Steve Oehlenschlager
Bird Dog of the Day
On today's episode we sit down with Minnesota-based outdoor photographer Steve Oehlenschlager. Steve's photography specialty is his passion: bird dogs, upland gamebirds and when it's not too wet or cold, waterfowl. His immaculate work has graced the covers of many magazines (Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, Covey Rise, Shooting Sportsman, Wildfowl, etc). He currently owns a pair of pointing labs that hunt birds from Minnesota to North Dakota with him all fall. He also raises prairie chickens, ruffed grouse and other gamebirds for fun, which gives him a unique edge in understanding these...
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#8 | Flying Free with Tyler Sladen
Bird Dog of the Day
On today's episode we sit down with New Mexico-based falconer Tyler Sladen. Tyler is a US Army veteran, wildlife photographer, with “somewhere between 10 and 20” bird dogs (setters, pointers, vizsla, terriers and a saluki). He hunts the American west with his hawks, falcons and bird dogs with a “wild and free” style that will have you ready to road trip. An avid traveler and specialist in desert quail, Tyler’s passions are as interesting as they are unique. Get ready to learn about his wild and bold adventures as we discuss: The different hunting styles between falcons and...
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#7 | As Good as it Gets with Levi Day
Bird Dog of the Day
On today's episode we are thrilled to have someone who has spent so much time in the mountains, it's almost poetry - the way he shares his experiences. Please welcome Idaho-based Levi Day. Levi is the Conservation Leadership Programs Manager at Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, where he's focused on lighting the fire in youth to gain an appreciation for conservation and the role hunters play. He has the perfect background for the task: 2 decades as a school teacher and administrative leader in the education space, who frequently scales western mountains with his bird dogs - hence his...
info_outlineDr. Ruth Ann Lobos has spent two decades in veterinary medicine, working with Purina and the sporting dog community to promote peak canine health. A lifelong athlete and an “adult-onset hunter,” she discovered the sporting dog world during COVID, eventually leading her Labrador, Finn, into the field. Now, she’s navigating the transition from a high-energy retriever to a senior gun dog while raising a new Wirehaired Pointing Griffon pup, Journey.
In this episode, we cover:
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Recovery tips for senior hunting dogs and why keeping them lean is key to longevity
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The signs of hidden pain in dogs—and what licking, shifting positions, and reluctance to jump can tell you
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The science behind high-protein, high-fat diets and how sled dog racers optimize endurance
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How Finn, her yellow lab found his passion in the pheasant fields
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Why she chose a griffon for her next bird dog and how the shift from a flushing to pointing breed changed her approach
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The importance of finding a trusted vet, vaccine controversies, and whether the rattlesnake vaccine is worth it
Follow Dr. Ruth Ann Lobos on Instagram: @petvetruthann
Check out our Griffon and Lab gift collections on www.birddogoftheday.com.