EP 35: Bill Hillman: From $6 Shelter Dog to Retriever Icon - Part 1

In this special two-part series, host Chris Rud sits down with the legendary Bill Hillman, one of the most influential figures in the retriever training world. In Part 1, Bill opens up about his unlikely beginnings—from sneaking a $6 dog out of the humane society to pioneering in-home dog training in the 70s. With trademark wisdom and humor, Bill discusses what shaped his philosophy on dog behavior, the critical importance of clarity in training, and the early influences that led to the development of his most famous drills. Whether you're a die-hard student of the game or just starting out, this conversation is packed with perspective you won't want to miss.