Ronnie Smith - Bird Dog Trainer, Instructor & Hunting Guide

Ronnie & Susanna

Ronnie and his wife, Susanna Love, open their home to bird dog aficionados across the world and would enjoy hearing from you.

Ronnie & Susanna with George H. Bush (left) and James Baker (right) before a day of quail hunting.

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 quality 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.

When you meet Ronnie Smith in person, his cheerful, easy going attitude are immediately apparent. Ronnie is a man that enjoys his profession. Beginning as a child, cleaning his father's kennels, Ronnie's entire life has revolved around bird dogs. He feels blessed to be able to have known and trained the dogs that he has.

Ronnie's enjoyment of bird dogs transfers to his work, whether it is training a great young hunting dog or teaching an owner how to successfully hunt with their dog. Years of observing canine behavior have developed Ronnie's training format into one that works for any dog that has prey drive. While continually adding to his own repertoire of experience, Ronnie puts his knowledge of bird dogs to work for his clients to help them find a better way to relate to and communicate with bird dogs.

Easygoing and fun to learn from, Ronnie is an effective teacher, whether the student is human or canine. However, working with bird dogs remains Ronnie's main passion and focus. He accepts two rotations of dogs for training (beginning in May and August consecutively). Ronnie also travels domestically and internationally giving Team Huntsmith Seminars, in conjunction with his cousin, Rick Smith. In addition, Ronnie has begun accepting apprentice dog trainers at his kennel facilities for those who want to expand on the skills taught during seminars.