Chad and Tracy Hines of Willow Creek Kennels explain how they make breeding decisions in their German Shorthaired Pointer program. Chad brings nearly four decades of experience breeding and developing dogs. They cover genetics, line breeding, outcrossing, early development, hunting ability, health, and conformation, and how they balance those factors when planning a litter. If you are considering a bird dog, GSP or otherwise, this episode will help you think through what matters.

In this first episode of Bird Dog Field Notes, Chad and Tracy Hines answer common puppy questions they hear from buyers and dog owners every year.

The conversation covers how to approach puppy selection, what actually matters early on, and how training and development in the first months shape the dog long term. They also talk through common mistakes, realistic expectations, and how to think about a puppy’s future in the field.

This episode includes discussion around early training priorities, exposure, development, and how field testing or trialing may fit into a young dog’s path.