FREE PURINA MASTERCLASS
Register below for Pat's next Masterclass
with Jim Keller
The Spaniel Perspective: Lessons for Every Sporting Dog Trainer
Join Pat Burns for a conversation with Jim Keller of Wildwind Kennels, one of the most accomplished spaniel trainers in North America.
For nearly four decades, Jim and his family have built Wildwind Kennels into one of the premier training programs for Springer Spaniels, English Cockers, and retrievers. Along the way, Wildwind-trained dogs have earned more than 150 Field Champion titles, multiple National Championships, and a reputation for producing exceptional hunting and competition dogs.
But this Masterclass isn't just about accomplishments.
It's about understanding how spaniels have evolved, how today's field trial and hunting spaniels differ, and what trainers of every sporting breed can learn from one another.
One of the things Pat has always found interesting is that Jim has successfully incorporated many retriever training fundamentals into his spaniel program while still preserving the natural style and instincts that make a flushing dog unique.
During this Masterclass, Pat and Jim will discuss:
• The evolution of the modern spaniel
• How hunting spaniels and field trial spaniels differ
• American and English spaniel bloodlines
• The role retriever training has played in Jim's program
• The similarities—and differences—between training retrievers and flushing dogs
• Lessons every sporting dog trainer can apply, regardless of breed
Whether you own a retriever, Springer Spaniel, English Cocker, or simply enjoy learning from great dog trainers, this promises to be a fascinating conversation.
Register today and join us live.
📅 Date: Aug 11, 2026
⏰ Time: 8:00 PM ET
🌐 Location: Online
The link to join Masterclass will be emailed to you 1 hour before the event if you have registered prior to 7:00 PM EASTERN. IF you DON'T get the email, please check your JUNK & SPAM folders.
If you are unable to join us for the live event, all of Purina Masterclass replays will be posted in the Purina Masterclass Library.
Jim Keller
Jim Keller is the owner of Wildwind Kennels in Knox, Maine, one of the country's premier training programs for Springer Spaniels, English Cockers, and retrievers.
Since founding Wildwind in 1987 and turning professional in 1998, Jim and his family have earned a reputation for producing exceptional hunting dogs and field trial competitors while remaining committed to developing dogs that hunt with style, enthusiasm, and control.
Wildwind-trained dogs have earned:
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Over 150 All-Age Field Champion titles
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Nine National Championships in Springer Spaniel and Cocker Spaniel competition
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Four Bird Dog Hall of Fame inductees
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Multiple National High Point dogs
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The highest-pointed spaniel of all time, NAFC/CANFC/CAFC/FC/AFC/CFC Flushing Wings Annie
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Two-time recipient of the Martin J. Hogan Award as the nation's top Springer Spaniel professional
Beyond competition, Jim has spent decades training hunting dogs for sporting camps, private plantations, and hunters across North America. His training philosophy centers on allowing dogs to do what they were bred to do—find and retrieve game with confidence, style, and control.
Today, Jim and his daughter, Deanna, continue the Wildwind tradition of developing outstanding sporting dogs while sharing their knowledge with handlers from across the country.