About Talk Birdie to Me: Bird Dog Banter with Emily
Welcome to the Talk Birdie to Me Podcast, Bird Dog Banter with Emily!
This is an informal but educational discussion on dog-related topics. We’ll cover everything from waterfowl and upland hunting, to training tips, and even some controversial topics from a dog trainer’s perspective. If you like what you hear, please be sure to subscribe and follow me on social media at Shorthairs & Shotguns and Horizon Retrievers.
horizonretrievers.com (https://www.horizonretrievers.com)
shorthairsandshotguns.com (https://www.shorthairsandshotguns.com)
In this episode, we’re connecting the dots between the foundation your dog has built in training and what they’ll need to succeed on their very first hunt.
We have put in the foundation work: obedience (recall, place work, sit, stay) and field work (bird introduction, gunfire, steadiness). Now it’s time to translate those controlled training sessions into real-world hunting scenarios. I’ll walk you through what changes (and what shouldn’t), how to manage expectations, and how to support your dog through new learning experiences.
We want a lifetime of fun hunts with our best friend, so be sure to put in the work now to tackle your first hunt with confidence!
28 Oct 2025
18 | Improving Your Dog's Diet
Boost your dog's bowl! In this episode, we’re diving into one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve your dog’s overall health—enhancing their diet. This episode goes into depth on how to add fresh, whole foods to kibble in a safe, effective way. If you want to update your dog's health but aren't sure where to start, start here!
Perfectly Rawsome (https://perfectlyrawsome.com)
Horizon Retrievers (https://www.horizonretrievers.com)
Shorthairs & Shotguns (https://www.shorthairsandshotguns.com)
30 Sept 2025
17 | Bringing Home a Birddog: Your First Bird Dog Puppy
Thinking about bringing home your first bird dog puppy? Whether you're dreaming of upland fields or waterfowl blinds, this episode is your essential guide to starting off right. We cover everything you need to know before and after picking up your new pup — from the first days at home to laying the foundation for a successful hunting companion.
In this episode, we cover finding the right bird dog, training priorities, and essential products.
Links mentioned in the show:
My Dog Training Patreon (https://www.horizonretrievers.com/online)
Puppy Podcast (https://rss.com/podcasts/talkbirdietome-1/1712008/)
Choosing a Breeder Podcast (https://rss.com/podcasts/talkbirdietome-1/1713976/)
Duck Dog 101 Podcast (https://rss.com/podcasts/talkbirdietome-1/1727404/)
Living With a Bird Dog Podcast (https://rss.com/podcasts/talkbirdietome-1/1768626/)
German Shorthaired Pointer Podcast (https://rss.com/podcasts/talkbirdietome-1/1754969/)
7 Apr 2025
16 | Ecollar Discussion - What, Why and How
In this episode, I dive into the basics of e-collars—what they are, why we use them, and, just as importantly, how we do and don’t use them. Whether you're new to the concept or just looking for a better understanding of modern training tools, this episode lays the groundwork for responsible and effective e-collar use. We break down common myths, discuss ethical training practices, and set the record straight on how e-collars can be used to strengthen communication and build trust—not fear.
20 Feb 2025
15 | Chasing the Curve
As dog owners, we’re always trying to do better—training more patiently, providing the best care, and giving our dogs the happiest life possible. But sometimes, no matter how hard I try, I sometimes feel like I am coming up short. In this episode, I talk about the emotional side of dog ownership: the self-doubt, guilt, and the deep love that drives us to give our dogs the life they deserve. Being a great dog owner isn’t about how your dog's life looks on social media—it’s about showing up, trying, and loving them the best that we can.
18 Dec 2024
14 | Versatile Dogs with Brandon Whitfield
Brandon Whitfield shares his expertise on training versatile hunting dogs, highlighting the unique challenges of duck hunting in icy conditions and the benefits of NAVHDA certification for breeders and trainers.
2 Dec 2024
13 | Delicious Ducks: Mastering the Art of Cooking Waterfowl with Maura Hennelly
Maura Hennelly shares her expertise on cooking wild game, revealing techniques to elevate the unique flavors of waterfowl and transforming your kitchen experience.
24 Nov 2024
12 | Living With A Bird Dog
Emily discusses expectations and activities to do with your high-energy bird dog, providing essential guidance for owners to meet their unique physical and mental stimulation needs.
15 Nov 2024
11 | Living with a German Shorthaired Pointer
In this episode, I dive into what it's really like to share your home with a German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP/shorthair) — an energetic, smart, but high-maintenance dog breed. Shorthairs are a lifestyle and living with one will change your perception of dog ownership. Grab your running shoes and tune in to discover the realistic expectations of life with a GSP.
*For those of you who don't know, I refer to both of my dogs often in this podcast. Blitz is a German Shorthaired Pointer and Ember is a British Lab. My apologies that I wasn't clear about that!
Hunting Dog Confidential Episode 4 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hunting-dog-confidential/id1511588147?i=1000477554357)
The GSP on Project Upland (https://projectupland.com/hunting-dogs/german-shorthaired-pointer-origins-and-traits/)
Horizon Retrievers (https://www.horizonretrievers.com)
Shorthairs & Shotguns (https://www.shorthairsandshotguns.com)
6 Nov 2024
10 | Mental and Emotional Health in Dogs
In this episode, I discuss the often-overlooked aspect of a dog's well-being—mental and emotional health. Stress, anxiety and behavioral issues often result from poor mental health and it is important that we address that as a root cause. Join me as I cover what proper mental and emotional health looks like, what are some red flags that our dog needs support, and cover simple ways to keep your dog's mind as healthy as possible. Tune in and learn how to create a more emotionally balanced life for your dog—because a happy dog is a healthy dog!
"Perceived Pressure" and Resilience on the Companion Gundog Podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/companion-gundog-podcast/id1560876353?i=1000672686759)
Is You Mood Disorder a Symptom of Unstable Blood Sugar? (https://sph.umich.edu/pursuit/2019posts/mood-blood-sugar-kujawski.html#:~:text=A%2520growing%2520body%2520of%2520evidence,irritability%252C%2520anxiety%252C%2520and%2520worry.)
The effects of fear and anxiety on health and lifespan in pet dogs (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168159110001243#:~:text=It%2520is%2520hypothesized%2520that%2520chronic,increased%2520disease%2520frequency%2520and%2520severity.)
Hyperarousal: Symptoms and Treatment (https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320000)
Dopamine Seeking-Reward Loop (https://www.blog.theteamw.com/2018/02/28/the-dopamine-seeking-reward-loop-or-why-cant-i-stop-scrolling-on-my-newsfeed/#:~:text=You%2520tend%2520to%2520seek%2520more,dopamine%2520loop%2520has%2520become%2520engaged.)
Can Obsessive Chasing and Fetch Increase Health Risks in Dogs? (https://www.rover.com/blog/how-to-help-fetch-obsessed-dog/)
Horizon Retrievers (https://www.horizonretrievers.com)
Shorthairs & Shotguns (https://www.shorthairsandshotguns.com)
1 Nov 2024
9 | Rehoming Dogs
In this episode I explore the topic of rehoming dogs, including the reasons why someone might not keep a dog forever and when it is appropriate versus inappropriate to find your dog a new home. I also cover the importance of compassion, emphasizing why shaming pet owners for rehoming can be counterproductive and harmful. My hope is for this episode to promote responsible pet ownership and a thorough understanding and an honest look at rehoming dogs responsibly.
Horizon Retrievers (https://www.horizonretrievers.com)
Shorthairs & Shotguns (https://www.shorthairsandshotguns.com)
30 Oct 2024
8 | Duck Dog 101
If you have a dog that you would like to hunt waterfowl with but don't know where to start, this is for you! This episode covers the very basics of duck hunting to give you an idea of what to expect from the different types of blinds you might be hunting out of to the different qualities and level of skills your dog will need. I hope this will be a great resource in prepping dogs to be quality, respectful hunting companions in the duck blind!
Horizon Retrievers (https://www.horizonretrievers.com)
Shorthairs & Shotguns (https://www.shorthairsandshotguns.com)
28 Oct 2024
7 | Field and Family Program Part 2
This episode is an overview of my Field and Family Program (https://www.horizonretrievers.com/training) for companion gundogs. This episode covers flushing dogs and waterfowl dogs. Please be sure to listen to episode 6 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talk-birdie-to-me-bird-dog-banter-with-emily/id1774128969?i=1000674551031) prior to this episode. If you are interested in this program for your dog or have already signed up, this episode will give you a thorough idea of what to expect. You can find out more about my training programs here (https://www.horizonretrievers.com/training).
Horizon Retrievers (https://www.horizonretrievers.com)
Shorthairs & Shotguns (https://www.shorthairsandshotguns.com)
26 Oct 2024
6 | Field and Family Program Part 1
This episode is an overview of my Field and Family Program (https://www.horizonretrievers.com/training) for companion gundogs. I dive deep into the program on a week-by-week basis of the training plan. If you are interested in this program for your dog or have already signed up, this episode will give you a thorough idea of what to expect. You can find out more about my training programs here (https://www.horizonretrievers.com/training).
Horizon Retrievers (https://www.horizonretrievers.com)
Shorthairs & Shotguns (https://www.shorthairsandshotguns.com)
24 Oct 2024
5 | Teacher's Pet: How To Prepare Your Dog Before Training
Time flies when you're having fun, especially with your new puppy! Before you know it, it will be time to send them off to college, or formal training. There are a few key skills that will ensure your puppy is set up for success for the best experience possible with the trainer.
In this episode, we’ll discuss effective stress management techniques to help your dog feel at ease, as well as coping mechanisms that can aid their transition. Learn why crate training is so important and how to establish environmental stability that fosters confidence. Plus, we’ll explore the importance of food drive and how we can harness it to motivate your dog and overcome stress during training. Whether you're sending your puppy to me or another trainer, or just want to create the best life you can for your puppy, tune in!
Perceived Pressure and Resilience Podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/companion-gundog-podcast/id1560876353?i=1000672686759)
Stress and Learning Study 1 (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10298416/#sec5-healthcare-11-01787)
Stress and Learning Study 2 (https://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2014/06/15/320725558/how-trauma-affects-the-brain-of-a-learner)
horizonretrievers.com (https://www.horizonretrievers.com)
shorthairsandshotguns.com (https://www.shorthairsandshotguns.com)
Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/c/horizonretrievers)
21 Oct 2024
4 | How to Choose a Dog Breeder
Bringing home a new puppy can be an incredibly exciting experience, but it all starts with choosing the right breeder! With so many options available, does it really matter what breeder or litter you pick? In this episode, we dive deep into the essential steps for selecting a reputable dog breeder to set you and your puppy up for success for life. We'll explore key factors such as purpose bred dogs, trialing/performance, temperament, health testing, conformation, ethics and red flags. Whether you’re a first-time puppy parent or ready for your next hunting dog, this episode will empower you to find a perfect fit for you and your family.
horizonretrievers.com (https://www.horizonretrievers.com)
shorthairsandshotguns.com (https://www.shorthairsandshotguns.com)
20 Oct 2024
3 | Puppy 101
Bringing home a new puppy? How exciting! There's much more to raising a puppy than just shits and giggles. Here's what you need to know!
Puppy 101 Blog (https://www.horizonretrievers.com/post/puppy-101)
Socialization Video (https://youtu.be/qPGd7ElMCJ8)
Patreon for Puppies (https://www.patreon.com/c/horizonretrievers)
horizonretrievers.com (https://www.horizonretrievers.com)
shorthairsandshotguns.com (https://www.shorthairsandshotguns.com)
16 Oct 2024
2 | Introduction
A debut episode of my life as horse-girl turned bird dog hunter. In this episode I cover how I transitioned from analytical chemist to owning my own dog training business. I touch on a brief history of my bird dogs, Blitz and Ember, and my interests as a dog and health enthusiast.
horizonretrievers.com (https://www.horizonretrievers.com)
shorthairsandshotguns.com (https://www.shorthairsandshotguns.com)
16 Oct 2024
1 | Hunting, Health and Horseshit
This is Talk Birdie to Me: Bird Dog Banter with Emily. This is Episode 1 and we're kicking things off with a bang! In all honestly, more like a .209 primer than a 12 gauge, but be prepared for some ruffled feathers in the future. Join me as I explore topics from hunting to health, and chasing my bird dogs as they sniff out a little horseshit along the way.
horizonretrievers.com (https://www.horizonretrievers.com)
shorthairsandshotguns.com (https://www.shorthairsandshotguns.com)
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
13 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 25 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
16
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
85
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