Ronnie Smith on Performance

The Smith family name is synonymous in the bird dog world for many reasons. For generations they have trained some of the finest dogs that consistently challenge for field trail champions and produce superior finished dogs for the foot hunter. Ronnie Smith carries on his family lineage in a very proud tradition. According to his website "Through generations of hard work and dedication, Ronnie Smith Kennels has developed a trusted and proven name in the bird dog industry. The Smith family has a history of raising and training fine bird dogs. Ronnie’s late father, Ronnie Smith Sr., was a well-respected dog trainer. Ronnie’s uncle, Delmar Smith has received the honor of being inducted into the Field Trial Hall of Fame. Ronnie and his cousins, Rick and Tom Smith, continue the Smith family tradition. Bird dogs are not only a business for the Smiths, they are a passion and a way of life. Our training format brings dogs' inherent prey drive to a pinnacle and then begins to mold that natural instinct in to the desired behavior of a confident, mannerly bird dog. Through the development of conditioned responses and learned behavior we are able to produce dogs that are proficient in heeling off lead, handling on cue, and confidently working birds."

I recently had the great fortune to interview Ronnie via email for northUpland. His response to my questions regarding performance, nutrition, and conditioning should be considered an invaluable resource. Here is Ronnie's round up on what makes his gun dogs great!

Following quotes by Ronnie Smith...

"We feed solely Purina Pro Plan Performance. In the summertime, we train all breeds of upland pointing and flushing dogs and in the winter we are guiding hunts in some of the most rigorous country in the state of Texas. We've had great success with this feed with all breeds and all physical requirements."

Pro Plan Performance formula is by the far the top selling food for sporting dogs  in the United States. It is a 30/20 mix, meaning it contains 30% protein and 20% fat. These are considered optimum percentages for working dogs of any breed and age. In fact, Pro Plan Performance is considered an "all life stages formula" meaning it can be fed from to puppies all the way seniors. Click on the bag image for complete info directly from Purina.

When asked about food rations(portion size) Ronnie went on to say...

"Obviously we are constantly monitoring the body condition of each of our dogs. When they are under physical strain, they will need a few more calories to their diet. Brittanys under high physical demands may need as much as 4 1/2 cups, while a maintenance ration may be 2 cups. A high strung pointer who is active in the kennel and running hard in the field may need as much as 6 1/2 cups to maintain perfect body condition. A maintenance ration for a less active pointer may be 3 cups. Bottom line is that you need to monitor your dog's condition and the physical strains he is under and adjust your feeding plan accordingly."

In a follow up question about conditioning and fitness regiments, Ronnie responded...

"Our exercise programs vary. Some of the tools we use to get our bird dogs in shape for a season of guiding hunts include running, swimming, and roading." (Terminology: "Roading" is an effective form of strength training. It is done by safely harnessing dogs off an ATV using an outrigger and allowing them to naturally run alongside and pull against the ATV in motion) "We find the more fit our dogs are going in to season, the fewer injures they tend to have during season.We believe in order to get the best performance with a dog, you have to have them both physically and mentally fit. They have to be thinking birds as soon as their feet hit the ground and their bodies have to be able to withstand the rigors of the country and the demands upon it."

 In my own brief dealings with Ronnie during this interview process I can honestly say he is an genuine as they come. He was extremely receptive to my questions and open to helping out all follow hunters get the most from their dogs! Ronnie is a stand up guy and his reputation as a first class dogman is true. I thank him tremendously for his time.

Ronnie Smith Kennels is known the world over for producing quality bird dogs while maintaining the utmost of professionalism. If any of my readers are looking for a top notch trainer, look no further. His fees are modest, but rest assured, his facility, training skills, and attention to making good bird dogs great are all first class. Also, Ronnie and his cousin, Rick Smith, travel the country every year during their very popular seminar series. Click here for a list of dates and locations. In the end,  I very much enjoy Ronnie's training motto "A dog is like a book, just read!" It is very simple, straight forward, and to the "point"! Yep, that pun is completely intended!


Thank you for reading my blog and please contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Leave a comment or email me directly at northupland@yahoo.com


Best of luck out there. -Mark

Images used in this post courtesy of Ronnie Smith Kennels and Nestle Purina.