Danny Farmer at Firewater

Posted on July 13, 2006 by J. Tackett 

I was fortunate enough to train a week or two with Danny farmer and his crew up at Firewater earlier this summer. Most that have played this game for more than 10 years recognize Farmer as the best to have ever picked up a whistle.

I have always been astounded by his records. Here's a little food for thought...Farmer has won somewhere around 300 Open stakes in his trial career, 3 National Opens, and has trained a number of National. AM Champions. At one point in the nineties he won 18 Opens in a row. His weekend record is so far ahead it's doubtful anyone will ever catch him.

Shannon showed up a few days later to shoot a Duck's Unlimited Green Wing event...she also talked me into interviewing Danny. The interview will be seen in it's entirety later this year, but I thought I'd give you guys a few highlights that I thought would give you some real insight into what many think is the greatest competitive retriever trainer that ever walked.

JT: Tell me about your first dog?
DF: I grew up in Bastrop, Louisiana. Duck hunting was a way of life. So much so that the first thing everyone did after getting married was to buy a pick-up and a 3 wheeler so we could get to those rice fields, and brakes. I worked as a Deputy Sheriff, and had the perfect schedule to hunt ducks everyday of the season. I had a dog named "Daphne" after Daphne Duck! Stupidest name in the world...but I did it. Looking back ol' Daphne left a lot to be desired, but at that time I thought she was great. All I knew was she was a registered Labrador Retriever.....I got her, and used James Lamb Free's book to train her the best I could. I'd read a page...then teach a page. Hey man on $600.00 a month that was all I could do!

JT: Do you remember your first trial? DF: You bet....I went out in the first series of the first 4 field trials I ever ran. I went to Shreveport to breed Daphne....that's where I met Judy Aycock. I was so excited when she told me I could come train with her. She'd give me a bag of birds to throw, and man I'd run out to the station....every day off I had...I loved it. Think about it...she had just won the National Open with "Honcho". I learned how important basics were. Went back and re-did basics with Daphne. It took me two more trials, and I won the Memphis Qualifying.

JT: What's the difference between the great trainer, and the average trainer.
DF: The great ones have an ability to walk in the dogs shoes. There is no science to it, and you have to have it in your gut. There are some fellows with books out full of diagrams, and drills, but that's not dog training. It's a feel, and a flow.

JT: Who's the best dog you've ever seen?
DF: "Cody"...he's the best dog I've ever seen, day in, day out. Judy's had some great ones. He just understood things. (FC-AFC Trumarc's Zip Code)

JT: Who are the 3 greatest dog trainers in your eyes.
DF: Rex Carr...he figured ways to condition the dogs so we could train them. Judy Aycock...she's the best I have spent much time with. Lardy's good too. But...you know this, great dogs make great trainers. You've got to have the horses.

JT: Who's the best dog you've ever trained?
DF: Timex...he was pretty great. From a puppy on, he was outstanding. He's still the high point male derby dog to this day. He was a FC before he was 3, and National Champion around five. (NFC-AFC Vinwood's Takes A Lickin')

JT: What's the best part of today's retriever games?
DF: The dogs...they have gotten so much better. In the old days I only worried about a handful of dogs at a trial....now they are all good. Anyone can win.

JT: What's the worst part of today's retriever game?
DF: The sheer numbers. A lot of that's due to people like me. But, it hurts the game somewhat. We need more trials competing with each other. Judging could be better. We could use a better understanding of what we are really asking of these dogs.

JT: Tell me what you mean?
DF: I'm one of the most competitive guys out there, but things are a little out of balance. We've got to have fun...this game is about fun. It's a tough game, and you gotta be willing to lose a lot, and win a little. I've got clients that understand that.

JT: What are your thoughts about hunt tests?
DF: They are great. How can there be anything bad about getting your dog out and training? I don't understand them totally, but they are very good for the game.

JT: Who are the best handlers out their?
DF: HHHMMMMMMMM tough one...Eckett, Jimmy Gonia. All these guys are good. Rorem, all of em' are good. I've seen Jimmy Gonia make a mistake....and I won the national because he made that mistake. I've lost a national with Otis of Red Fern because I pulled him off a bird and had to handle. It's tough...pressure man, tough to deal with that pressure.

I screwed up "Star" at a national on a blind. She was on, and mis-handled her. I just sat in the truck...horrible feeling.

JT: What's the toughest part of being a professional retriever trainer?
DF: EASY! People!! Dogs are easy, people are tough. I have great clients, most understand, but a lot don't.

JT: What's the greatest single attribute a great retriever has to have?
DF: Got to be a good marker at the very least. It's god given. I can develop it, but I can't teach it, you can't teach it. Gotta be able to mark!

JT: What's the difference between the guy rollin through a field trial, and the real Danny Farmer?
DF: I can't chit chat at a trial...I'll lose it. I have to pay attention at a trial. In training I'm not very serious, more of a clown. I'm easy. But, I love the dogs. My house looks like a Disney movie at feedin time. I wish I could chat more at trials, but I'll get my butt whipped if I'm not tuned in. Heck, I get my butt whipped even when I'm paying attention. I need all the help I can get.

I really enjoyed talking with Danny. He's just a good ol' duck hunter that loves dogs trying to get by like the rest of us!

Stay close as Shann works on the rest of the filmed interview with Danny.