Ronnie and Susanna Smith

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Smith Kennels carries a long tradition of family partnership dating back to 1956, when Ronnie Smith Sr. first opened the doors in Big Cabin, Oklahoma. Ronnie took over in 1982 and has spent decades refining the training program, leading seminars nationwide, and helping handlers better understand their dogs.

Ronnie grew up in hunting camps and guided wild bobwhite quail hunts across iconic ranches like the 6666 Ranch, the Mariposa Ranch, and the Norrias Division of the King Ranch. His guiding career included hosting dignitaries such as President George H. W. Bush, President George W. Bush, Secretary James Baker, astronaut Gene Cernan, and NFL great Lynn Swann.

Susanna, a fifth-generation Texas rancher, comes from a deep background in animal welfare and land stewardship. With a business degree from Texas Tech and a Juris Doctorate from St. Mary’s University, she has always favored quiet, low-stress, natural interaction with animals. She transitioned into bird dog training over 20 years ago and brings a thoughtful, intuitive approach to the work.

Together, Ronnie and Susanna have trained and hunted with dogs from Canada to Mexico, guiding hunters through great bird years and tough ones. Their twins, Reagan and Gage, are part of the daily life at the kennel, reinforcing that bird dogs and upland hunting are truly a family way of life. In 2023, the business name officially became Smith Kennels to honor both the generations before them and those to come.

Ronnie’s uncle, Delmar Smith—founder of the Smith Training Method and a Field Trial Hall of Fame inductee—helped set the foundation that Ronnie and his cousin Rick continue through Smith Seminars. The Smith family’s influence spans decades of field trial success, training innovation, and contributions to the bird dog world.

Ronnie and Susanna are recognized leaders in the industry and proud partners with companies like Purina, Garmin, Gun Dog Supply, and Orvis. Their work has been featured in Pointing Dog Journal, Gun Dog Magazine, Outdoor Life, Field & Stream, Covey Rise, and Shooting Sportsman. They have also appeared at Pheasant Fest’s Bird Dog Bonanza Stage for many years, sharing their experience with dog lovers across the country.