Successful NAVHDA trainer on composure, acing the test, raising the bar and "desperate" dogs

In this episode of the Upland Nation podcast, host Scott Linden welcomes back Clyde Vedder, widely regarded as the most successful NAVDA trainer to date, at the National Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic. The conversation dives deep into Vedder’s philosophy of training elite hunting dogs—not for tests, but for real-world performance—emphasizing composure, early development, and building confidence through fun and positive reinforcement. Vedder shares his groundbreaking approach to training, including introducing birds to puppies as young as five weeks, using live pigeons on fishing poles to assess mental toughness, and prioritizing natural drive over forced obedience. He also discusses the importance of conservation through Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, highlighting how he and his wife, Marilyn, have actively supported youth and mid-career hunters by purchasing life memberships and fostering a culture of 'paying it forward.' The episode concludes with a personal story from a recent chukar hunt in Nevada, where Vedder reflects on the value of 'desperate' dogs—those that push harder when birds are scarce—revealing a nuanced understanding of dog psychology and hunting ethics.