Watching a good bird dog work is one of the most addicting experiences in hunting. The intensity on point. The handler reading subtle cues. The flush, the shot, the retrieve—every piece matters. In this episode of The Next Ridge, hosts John Fontaine and Austin Johnson sit down with Suzanne Mensik, an Air National Guard veteran, professional upland guide, and pointing dog handler, to break down how bird dogs actually work—and how hunters can build better dogs by becoming better handlers.

This isn’t theory or Instagram highlight advice. It’s practical, field-tested knowledge from someone who lives the lifestyle in the Pacific Northwest.

From Military Service to Upland Guide

Suzanne’s background spans nearly two decades of military service, including active duty in the Air Force and continued service in the Washington Air National Guard. Like many veterans, she gravitated toward activities that demanded discipline, teamwork, and purpose—and found that same structure in upland hunting with dogs.

Her first pheasant hunt was a turning point. Watching the dynamic between dog and handler—how a dog works scent, locks up on point, and completes the retrieve—was enough to hook her for life. What started as curiosity quickly turned into a passion that led her to guiding at Double Barrel Ranch, one of the premier upland hunting preserves in the Inland Northwest.

Choosing the Right Bird Dog Breed

One of the biggest mistakes new upland hunters make is choosing a breed based on looks instead of lifestyle. Suzanne emphasizes that the right bird dog is the one that fits your personality, home life, and hunting style.

She ultimately chose a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon—known for being:

• Calm and manageable in the house
• Intense and driven in the field
• Highly biddable and people-oriented

High-energy breeds like German Shorthaired Pointers and English Pointers can be phenomenal hunters, but they require commitment. The takeaway? Match the dog to your reality, not your dream version of yourself.

Bird Dog Training Starts With the Handler

A recurring theme throughout the conversation is this truth: the handler needs more training than the dog.

Suzanne didn’t grow up training pointing dogs. She learned by:

• Reading extensively
• Working with mentors
• Making mistakes—and fixing them

Her advice to new handlers is simple:

• Be patient
• Keep training sessions short
• End on a win
• Don’t overpressure young dogs

Overpressure—too much repetition, correction, or expectation—creates issues like blinking birds (when a dog avoids a bird it knows is there out of fear of making a mistake). Dogs should want to hunt. Once it stops being fun, problems start.

Praise vs. Treats and Building Real Obedience

While many trainers use food rewards, Suzanne primarily trains with calm praise, not snacks. Dogs are smart. If food is always the motivator, they quickly learn when compliance is optional.

Foundational obedience—here, come, whoa—applies everywhere:

• In the field
• In the house
• Around kids and distractions

She stresses that obedience doesn’t start on birds—it starts at the food bowl, the door, and everyday routines. Consistency builds clarity, and clarity builds confidence.

E-Collar Training Without Fear or Confusion

E-collars are one of the most misunderstood tools in dog training. Used incorrectly, they create anxiety. Used correctly, they provide clear, low-level communication.

Suzanne introduces e-collars early—at very low stimulation—always paired with known commands. The collar isn’t punishment; it’s a reminder. Dogs learn faster when feedback is immediate and consistent.

A key warning: avoid creating “e-collar wise” dogs that only behave when the collar is on. That’s why obedience and expectations must exist before electronics are introduced.

Force Fetch, Soft Mouths, and Clean Retrieves

Not all dogs retrieve naturally, and even good retrievers may develop hard mouths. Suzanne explains that force fetch isn’t cruelty—it’s structured pressure that teaches calm, controlled behavior.

She often focuses on one component: hold.

• Teaching the dog to carry without chomping
• Reinforcing calm delivery to hand
• Ending sessions before boredom sets in

Like all training, force fetch should be thoughtful, incremental, and dog-specific.

How Bird Dogs Actually Find Birds

One of the most fascinating parts of the episode is Suzanne’s explanation of scent cones—how dogs locate birds using wind, moisture, and terrain.

Key factors that affect scenting:

• Light wind (not swirling gusts)
• Cool temperatures
• Morning dew or moisture
• Avoiding weather extremes

Dogs aren’t just smelling feathers. They detect:

• Bird respiration
• Feather dander
• Oils from the preen gland
• Volatile organic compounds created by bacteria

Visualize a candle flame bending in the wind—that’s how scent travels. When a dog cuts into that cone, you’ll see the head snap, the body tighten, and the point lock up. It never gets old.

Best Upland Birds in the Pacific Northwest

Suzanne’s favorite bird to chase? Hungarian partridge—“Huns.”

Why?

• Fast, covey-oriented birds
• Challenging dog work
• Open-country hunting

In North Idaho and Eastern Washington, hunters can also find:

• Pheasant
• Grouse
• Quail
• Chukar

Bird distribution depends heavily on habitat, CRP land, water sources, and agriculture. The best advice? Scout, walk ground, and let your dog teach you.

NASRA: Extending the Hunting Season

Upland hunting doesn’t have to end when seasons close. Suzanne is heavily involved with National Shoot to Retrieve Association (NASRA)—a competition format that keeps dogs on birds year-round.

NASRA events:

• Simulate real hunting
• Score dogs on finds, retrieves, backing, and obedience
• Offer amateur and open divisions
• Build community and mentorship

It’s one of the best ways to improve handling skills and keep dogs sharp outside of season.

Learn more about NASRA competitions

Why Hunting Preserves Matter

Some hunters scoff at preserves—but Suzanne makes a strong case for their value. At places like Double Barrel Ranch, hunters can:

• See finished dogs work
• Introduce new hunters and kids safely
• Tune up young dogs
• Learn without pressure

For newcomers, preserves often spark a lifelong passion for upland hunting.

Book a guided upland hunt at Double Barrel Ranch

Upland Hunting, Community, and the North Idaho Lifestyle

This episode isn’t just about dogs—it’s about lifestyle. Upland hunting blends fitness, conservation, family, and purpose in a way few activities do. That’s why so many people relocating to the Inland Northwest are drawn to it.

At North Idaho Experience, these conversations are part of showing what life here actually looks like—not just where you live, but how you live.

Grab the North Idaho Relocation Guide

Final Thoughts

Great bird dogs aren’t born finished. They’re built—through patience, consistency, and trust between handler and dog. As Suzanne makes clear, upland hunting is less about shooting birds and more about earning moments alongside a dog that loves the work as much as you do.

If you’re curious about bird dogs, upland hunting, or life in North Idaho, this episode is a masterclass worth your time.