278. Southern Wires Kennel

·1 hr 20 min·5 clips

Ryan McIntosh reveals why putting timelines on dog training can dig you into a hole.

This episode features host Josh and first-time guest Ryan McIntosh, owner of Southern Wires Kennel in Texas. Ryan is a full-time professional trainer and breeder specializing in Wirehaired Pointing Griffons. He discusses his journey from hobbyist to pro, which began after getting his first pointing dog in 2015. A key topic is the mental challenge for trainers to avoid self-imposed timelines and instead train at the individual dog's pace. Ryan emphasizes the importance of having a network of experienced trainers to consult, citing timing as critical for exercises like force fetch. He primarily uses the West method for steadiness training but adapts it based on each dog's needs. Ryan is traveling to North Dakota to breed a female Griffon named Lori, the first home-bred dog from his foundation female, Cora. He also runs guided hunts with a cocker spaniel to supplement his income during the off-season. An interesting insight is Ryan's preference for "cooperative" and "softer" dogs, which he finds easier to train as long as they possess drive. He shares a specific example where a dog would only retrieve a bumper from a place board, not the ground, requiring creative problem-solving. Ryan recounts failing two NAVHDA Utility Tests due to poor heel scores, a mistake that taught him to proof the heel command rigorously with distractions. He contrasts the West method's "finesse" with other steadiness techniques that apply more initial pressure. The tone is conversational and educational, reflecting a dialogue between two trainers sharing experiences and philosophies. Listeners interested in the realities of building a dog training business, steadiness methods, and breeding programs will appreciate this episode. Those seeking highly structured, step-by-step instruction might find the anecdotal style less applicable.

As heard by us

A practical discussion that values timing, steadiness, and reading the dog in front of you.

This episode takes a practical view of dog training and pushes back on rigid timelines. The focus stays on the dog in front of the handler, with age, breeding, mental maturity, and timing treated as the pieces that decide whether the work holds up.

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Why you'd press play

You want dog training to get steadier without forcing a fixed timeline.

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