#89: Trev Trifaux — founder of Compass Grid Labradors, passionate outdoorsman, dad, and total force when it comes to training elite hunting dogs. We talk about how he turned his love for Labradors into a full-on business, his best dog training tips (including gun and water desensitizing), and what makes a solid breeder. Plus, we dive into hunting, fitness routines for the field, fatherhood, and the reel that made us all want to be that kind of dad.
LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE BELOW, OR ON APPLE PODCAST, SPOTIFY, AMAZON MUSIC, AUDIBLE, IHEARTRADIO, OR FIND US ON YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLAYER HERE.
Whether you’re raising a hunting dog, raising kids, or just want to laugh and learn something new — this one’s for you.
Episode Chapters:
GETTING STARTED:
- Have you always been an outdoorsman? Or how did you get introduced to the outdoors?
BACKSTORY / GETTING INTO IT
- What’s your hunting style or passion — waterfowl, upland, big game?
- Where did the love for dogs and working breeds come in?
- Was there a moment you realized, “Okay, this is more than just a passion project”?
COMPASS GRID LABRADORS
- What sets Compass Grid Labradors apart from other breeders?
- What’s the biggest misconception people have about owning or training hunting dogs?
- Do you have a favorite training success story or a moment with a dog that really stuck with you?
- If someone is interested in getting a hunting dog — what should they look for in a breeder?
TRAINING & TIPS FOR DOG OWNERS:
- Can you walk us through what it takes to train a top-tier gun dog from pup to field-ready?
- How do you begin desensitizing a pup to guns and water?
- When and how do you introduce real birds?
- What are your core obedience foundations — any tips for folks just starting out?
- How do you know when it’s time to really start “pushing” a dog to challenge them more?
- Do you train for boat retrieves or waterfowl hunting from a blind?
- Feeding routines — do you recommend once or twice a day for working dogs?
HUNTING + FITNESS
- How does fitness play into your success in the field or when working with the dogs?
- Any specific training you recommend for hunters who want to be in better shape for the season?
- What’s your own routine like — how do you stay fit for both the field and the business?
- What’s one fitness myth you see hunters believe that you’d love to bust?
- How do you plan and go on your 40 day hunting trips in Canada?
FAMILY LIFE
- That one reel where you said “I’ll be the dad where my kid says ‘my dad will know what to do’” hit home — any advice for building that kind of trust and connection with your kids?
- How has fatherhood shaped your approach to your work or the outdoors?
Rapid Fire
- “Dog voice” — yes or no?
- Favorite dog name you’ve ever given?
- Dream hunt location — go!
- If your dog could talk, what’s the first thing they’d roast you for?
- You just wrapped a gnarly hunt — what’s your go-to guilty meal? Gas station grab, fast food fix, or something wild at home?
- Labrador trait you secretly relate to?
- Your kid needs help — what’s the first thing you say to calm them?
FINAL THOUGHTS:
- Any fun adventures or hunts coming up?
- Where can people learn more about Compass Grid Labradors, follow you, or get in touch?
Episode Mentions:
Connect with Trev on Instagram HERE or Learn more about Compass Grid Labradors: https://www.compassgridlabradors.com/
Connect with Brittney on Instagram HERE
Connect with Reckoning on Instagram HERE
Submit your favorites at thereckoningpodcast.com/submit
SHEEPFEET for custom orthotics, the best hunting shoe and the hideout hoodie use code: RECKONING for 10% OFF SHOP HERE
MTN OPS for the best supplements and gear. Use code BRITT for 20% OFF your order!
RUGGED ROAD COOLER GET 10% OFF your lightweight and organized cooler here or USE CODE: LONG
Have Reckoning create content for your brand, learn more HERE!
CAMOFIRE for 50-70% Off On Hunting Gear From Stealthcam, Vortex, Mystery Ranch and more!
TONIC SITE SHOP for customized website designs, use code RECKONING15 for 15% OFF!
Affiliate Disclaimer. Show Notes may contain affiliate links. If you click through my referral link, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase. Thank you for supporting RECKONING LLC.
Comments +