Vanguard Gun Dogs

01/29/2026

Watching dogs learn pheasant on the Kansas prairie never gets old.

From Rose and Koko filling some big boots to Jed showing what’s coming next, this trip reminded me why prairie miles matter.

Full story and photos on the blog:

Back on the prairie There’s something about Kansas that keeps pulling me back. My first upland trip to the state was nine years ago, and that part of the country has captivated me ever since....

12/28/2025

Woodcock season is in full swing here in North Carolina.

Opening day limits, versatile dogs, thick cover, and a few unforgettable moments along the way.

Full story up on the blog.

Late-season prairie hunting with Rose, Ty, and Isaac—wild birds, young dog lessons, and Koko earning her AKC Master Hunter title at Vanguard Gun Dogs.

12/22/2025

A few days ago I got to do something pretty special — hunt Koko and Ada (one of the pups from our A litter, owned by Keith Marek of Brevard, NC) together for woodcock. It was a great experience watching mother and daughter work side by side on wild birds.

By the end of the hunt we’d had plenty of bird contacts and were able to put four woodcock in the bag. There’s nothing better than seeing bird dogs doing what they were bred to do on wild birds.

12/11/2025

Proven on the Privet Bottoms

Today was the opener of woodcock season here in North Carolina, and I woke up with the excitement of a kid on Christmas morning. The cover was thick, the air was cold, and the dogs were ready.

Friedelsheim’s Knockout Rose stole the show—she found every bird today and reminded me once again why she’s such a cornerstone of our program. The only downside to a hunt like this is that it ends too quickly…

Looking forward to getting back into the privet tomorrow and seeing what else the woods have in store.

12/04/2025

We’re on the cover!
A fun piece of news — Vanguard Gun Dogs was recently featured on the cover of Backroad Portfolio Magazine. It was a great experience working with them, and we’re honored to have our dogs represent the upland hunting community in this way.
Thank you to everyone who has supported Vanguard Gun Dogs as we continue to grow. Also, thank you to Christy Langston for the incredible photographs that were used in the magazine. Moments like this are a reminder of how special these dogs and this community truly are.

12/03/2025

Introducing the Vanguard Blog - Fieldnotes
For those who enjoy hunting stories, training notes, and updates from the field, I’ve started a blog on our website: https://www.vanguardgundogs.com/fieldnotes.
I’ll be sharing posts from our prairie trips, hunting updates with Rose, Koko, and the young dogs, and occasional thoughts on training and breeding. The first two posts are already up — one from early season and one from our late October return to the prairie.
If you enjoy following the journey with these dogs, be sure to check it out.

12/03/2025

Remembering Friedelsheim’s Blues Brother UT-I

I wanted to take a moment to recognize the passing of Friedelsheim’s Blues Brother UT-I, a dog who has had a lasting impact on so many of us. “Brother” was a stylish, thoughtful dog who loved wild birds, and it feels fitting that he passed while we were out west—just hours after hunting a piece of public ground and finding plenty of pheasants.

Brother’s influence continues through his offspring. Glen Allen’s Ridge UT-I (sire of our A Litter) and Friedelsheim’s Knockout Rose UT-III (dam of our upcoming B Litter) are two dogs that carry his legacy directly into the foundation of Vanguard Gun Dogs. Our logo itself is a drawing of Brother, so his presence will live on not only through his progeny, but through the identity of the kennel as well.

Rest easy, Brother — and thank you for everything you passed on.

12/02/2025

A Litter Update!

It’s been great hearing from everyone over the past few months, and I’ve really enjoyed the photos and videos coming in from the Koko × Ridge litter. The pups are growing into confident, cooperative young dogs with the personality and ability we hoped for in that pairing.

This fall I had the chance to see Duke, Gunny, and Heidi in person, and I continue to be impressed by their confirmation, drive, and temperament. It’s rewarding to see them thriving in hunting homes where they’re getting the work and attention they deserve.

Thanks again to all the A Litter owners for the updates — keep them coming!

12/02/2025

Koko is now an AKC Master Hunter!

I’m proud to share that Sundance Kohler Illumination (“Koko”) finished her Master Hunter title with two flawless passes last month. She went 6-for-6 on her MH journey — no small feat, and a testament to her steadiness, nose, and wild bird experience.

A huge thank-you to Joe Finney of River Roan Kennels for preparing and handling her so well. Koko has always been a calm, reliable, honest dog on wild birds, and it’s been rewarding to watch that translate into test work.