Friday Fave: Bird-dog training legend: Bob West's insights on tests, 3 critical commands, pad care and a feeding regimen

In this episode of Upland Nation, host Scott Linden welcomes legendary dog trainer and media pioneer Bob West, whose career spans decades of influencing bird dog training through television, magazines, and field trials. West shares his journey from Navy veteran to founding member of NAVDA and NASTRA, and recounts how he transitioned from field trial competitor to Purina ProPlan’s influential marketing voice. The conversation dives deep into three foundational training commands—steady, recall, and send—emphasizing the importance of building skills incrementally and avoiding overtraining. West also reveals his science-backed feeding regimen: feeding hardworking dogs once daily in the afternoon after rest, allowing proper digestion and preventing gastrointestinal distress. He stresses the critical role of pad care, especially in harsh terrain, and highlights innovative solutions like modified motorcycle inner tubes for dog boots. The episode closes with practical, homemade training gear tips—using milk crates for multi-bird flushes, repurposed shot bags for retrieving practice, and water ski rope for check cords—proving that effective training doesn’t require expensive tools. Key takeaways include: (1) Prioritize foundational commands—steady, recall, and send—before advancing; (2) Feed hunting dogs once daily in the afternoon to support digestion and performance; (3) Use elevated training tables to improve focus and steadiness; (4) Invest in proper pad protection, especially in rough or dry environments; (5) Build training progress in small, repeatable steps; (6) Use homemade gear like milk crates and repurposed shot bags for cost-effective, realistic practice; (7) Always carry water and prioritize hydration for dogs in extreme conditions; (8) Avoid pushing dogs beyond their limits in high-altitude or arid environments. The overall tone is deeply informative, respectful, and encouraging, with a strong emphasis on mentorship, science, and practical wisdom.