More Than Training: Trust, Partnership, and the Future of Gundogs with Dr. Anna Ziedins

For nearly 24 years, Dr. Anna Ziedins has dedicated her life to veterinary medicine, hunting, and understanding the incredible bond between dogs and the people who love them. In this episode of Dog Driven, Whitney sits down with Dr. Z to discuss her journey from multiple veterinary school rejections to becoming a respected veterinarian, hunter, and advocate for relationship-based dog training.Together, they explore how gun dog training has evolved over the years, why trust and communication often outperform force and intimidation, and the importance of allowing puppies the time and space to develop naturally. Dr. Z also shares her passion for Fear Free veterinary handling and provides practical advice for helping dogs feel more comfortable during veterinary visits.The conversation also shines a spotlight on the Cesky Fousek, a versatile hunting breed that remains relatively unknown in the United States but has earned a devoted following among hunters who appreciate their drive, versatility, and partnership in the field.Whether you're raising your first hunting dog, training for hunt tests, spending mornings in the duck blind, or simply looking to build a stronger connection with your dog, this episode offers valuable insights from a lifetime spent learning from dogs.In This Episode:• Dr. Z's journey to becoming a veterinarian• The evolution of gun dog training philosophies• The power of the human-animal bond• Why puppies need patience, not pressure• Fear Free veterinary handling explained• Introduction to the Cesky Fousek breed• Preserving hunting heritage for future generationsResources Mentioned:• Cesky Fousek North America• NAVHDA International• Fear Free Pets• Puppy's First Steps (Tufts Veterinary School) and Puppy Culture• Absolutely Positively Gundog Training by Robert MilnerConnect with Dog Driven:Website: staydogdriven.comEmail: staydogdriven@gmail.comFollow on Facebook, Instagram and TikTokBecause great dogs aren't built through shortcuts—they're built through trust, partnership, and time.