EP 58: The Most Powerful Tool in Retriever Training??? With Dan Ihrke

This week on the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, Chris is joined once again by Dan Ihrke for a deep dive into one of the most important — and misunderstood — concepts in retriever training: denial and steadiness.Before getting into the training talk, Chris shares the chaos and excitement around welcoming baby Madison into the world, the latest update on the Floyd x Winter puppies, and getting Autumn back home and back to training.Then the conversation turns into a masterclass on dog behavior and training mechanics. Dan breaks down the science behind reinforcement, punishment, and how “denial” fits into developing a steady, mentally disciplined retriever. From puppy foundations to advanced mark work, this episode explains why timing, consistency, and standards matter so much in building a reliable dog.If you’ve ever struggled with steadiness, creeping, impulse control, or understanding why your dog makes certain choices in training, this episode is packed with practical insight.