Training Bird Dogs
with Ronnie Smith Kennels
book design
I had the privilege of working on this project during my time at Covey Rise Magazine. Ronnie Smith Kennels provides trainers, owners, and dog handlers with the most refined, developed, and proven methodology for training a pointing dog. The Smith family has spent two generations working thousands of dogs through a stair-step method of replicable techniques that result in a bird dog that is well adjusted, confident, and driven to fulfill its potential. Training Bird Dogs with Ronnie Smith Kennels invites each and every reader into this tradition of excellence.
tradition
Ronnie Smith Kennels is located in the hills of Osage County, Oklahoma. RSK is well known in the upland community for consistently producing fine bird dogs over many decades through hard work and devotion. This book walks the reader through each step in a successful bird dog's life—from puppyhood to formal training to hunting—through the lens of the Ronnie Smith Kennels methodology.
technique
My role as a designer was made easy—the content was rich, expert, and intuitive. The accompanying photography by Brian Grossenbacher brought the pages to life with ease. It was clear that the RSK method has long been proofed to perfection, although you will still find Ronnie and Susanna seeking new ways to grow with each new pup that sets foot on their ranch. It was important for our creative team to visually communicate the same level of care throughout this book: clear, concise hierarchy and a warm aesthetic that places the reader deep in the Oklahoma hills.
training
This book provides insight into your dog’s mind—behavior, motivation, drive— as well as a step-by-step guide to train your dog using the Smith Method. Throughout the design process, we sought ways to marry clarity with beauty. A diagram is not just a diagram. Ronnie Smith Kennels has achieved excellence—our job was merely to showcase it.