In this episode of the Build From Here podcast, host Josh Parvin interviews Ken Witt, a Founder's Member of CGA and the creator of Gundog Nation. Ken shares his journey from a rural upbringing in Kentucky to becoming a lawyer, military veteran, and passionate dog trainer. He discusses the importance of mindset in training, the transition to retrievers, and the value of community in dog training. Ken emphasizes the need to preserve hunting heritage and encourage youth involvement in the sport. He also highlights the significance of consistency and patience in training dogs, as well as the therapeutic benefits of working with them.

Training a retriever can be a rollercoaster of triumphs and challenges. Jarod and Melody Free have grown familiar with these ups and downs over the past 18 months. Join us as Jarod and Melody share how one expensive house repair lead to them taking on the challenge of training their dog, Punch, on their own with the help of our courses. From tackling the fetch hold release phase to navigating the nuances of retriever training drills, their story is a testament to the power of persistence, patience, and fun in retriever training.

Every hunter has their start. Whether it was a friend inviting them to try hunting or a beloved father. In CGA Member Wayne Triplett's case, his grandad was the first one to introduce him to the outdoors when he took him on his first turkey hunt.

That defining moment in Wayne's life started a lifelong passion for the outdoors.

Wayne's infectious enthusiasm for the sport and his dogs shines through as he recounts memorable hunting tales, including his pivot to archery and the exhilarating moment he first set sights on waterfowl hunting in Alaska. His stories bring to life the excitement and passion that come with every hunt and training session.

Wayne's journey with dog training began with the desire to get a dog. It was no smooth ride. Skeptics and so-called experts often doubted his ability to have a dog due to his hectic work schedule. Wayne was fortunate enough to have some great friends who encouraged him despite what he had been told.   

Wayne's persistence paid off. He achieved remarkable results by dedicating just 15 to 20 minutes a day and leveraging the Cornerstone program. Not only did Wayne find success, but he also involved his children in the process, creating a unique bonding experience that enriched their lives. Through ups and downs, Wayne shares insights into the importance of consistency, visual learning, and adapting training methods to fit each dog's needs. His story is one of patience, dedication, and the simple joys of shared experiences with dogs and family.

Want to hear the details of Wayne's story? Listen to this podcast to find out more.

Ready to train your dog with confidence? Follow our three-step simple plan below...

1. Purchase

2. Follow the Videos

3. Enjoy Your Dog

BuildFromHere,
Cornerstone Gundog Academy

It's amazing how one simple duck hunt can change everything. 

Some 17 years ago, one simple duck hunt transformed CGA Member Todd Sanders from a deer hunter into a duck hunter nearly instantaneously.

From that day forward, Todd has been in a passionate pursuit of the sport of waterfowl hunting.

All waterfowlers can agree a good dog can make or break a hunt. Todd decided to take his hunting a step further by finding a good dog.

Todd's dog Tusk made an incredible debut on his first hunt that etched a joyful memory into Todd's life forever. 

Want to hear the details of Todd's unforgettable first hunt with his dog Tusk? Listen to this podcast to find out more.

Ready to train your dog with confidence? Follow our three-step simple plan below...

1. Purchase

2. Follow the Videos

3. Enjoy Your Dog

BuildFromHere,
Cornerstone Gundog Academy

Every hunter deserves to have a hunting dog that they are proud to hunt with in the duck blind.

So often, hunters end up settling for less because they just aren't sure how to train their dog or because they are overwhelmed by all of the misinformation out there.

Scott started out on his journey unsure if he would be able to train his dog with limited time and the uncertainty of not doing it before.

Once he got connected and started following 52 Plus, that's when everything changed.

Scott went from unsure to confident in himself and his abilities as a dog trainer. Scott has been able to make the most of his time by being more effective because 52 Plus has empowered him to work on the right things with the time that he does have.

Want to hear the details of how Scott has trained his dog with confidence? Listen to this podcast to find out more.

Ready to train your dog with confidence? Follow our three-step simple plan below...

1. Purchase

2. Follow the Videos

3. Train Your Dog

BuildFromHere,
Cornerstone Gundog Academy

Join us in today's episode as we talk with CGA Members Steve and Cherie Strongman. Steve and Cherie share the challenges they have faced as first-time retriever owners and how they have overcome those challenges and gained confidence on their retriever training journey.

Want to learn more about how you can gain confidence on your retriever training journey? Visit: https://www.cornerstonegundogacademy.com to learn more.

Want to inquire about a guided hunt with Steve? Visit his website here: https://www.thewaterfowldispatchers.com/

Marty Haynes is an incredible man who exemplifies what it means to be a CGA Member. From walking the walk himself to helping other people on their journey of training a hunting retriever, Marty is always willing to learn and lend a hand. 

Join him as he shares his success tales from this past hunting season and recounts the triumphs and challenges of shaping Koda and Bear into the impressive duck-hunting retrievers they've become. From the gripping excitement of tower shoots to the significance of non-verbal commands, this episode paints a vivid picture of the bond between hunter and dog, illustrating how each canine's unique personality contributes to the hunt. 

This conversation with Marty is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone striving to refine their dog's obedience and retrieval skills, emphasizing the necessity of a strong handler-dog connection. Marty also shares some insights required to navigate hunt tests successfully and the importance of quick, corrective decisions- especially in high-pressure situations.

Wrapping up, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Marty for the invaluable strategies he's shared with us and to you, our loyal listeners, for joining us on this journey. Cornerstone Gundog Academy is here to support you if you're inspired to enhance your dog's performance or simply looking for camaraderie in the dog training community. Remember, every command, every drill, and every moment spent training is a step toward your goal. So, let's raise the bar for retriever training as we Build From Here.

Want to learn to train your dog with Confidence?

Visit: https://www.cornerstonegundogacademy.com

Need Retriever Training Gear?

Visit: https://www.retrievertrainingsupply.com

When Cody Weis recounts his first experiences in the world of duck hunting and dog training, it's more than just a story—it's a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and the deep bonds we share with our hunting retrievers. From Wisconsin to Texas, join us as Cody and I explore the emotional rollercoaster that is dog training—from those first nervous attempts to the remarkable moments when everything clicks into place. 

This episode isn't just about the technicalities of training retrievers but also the profound impact a positive mindset can have on both the trainer and the dog. The challenges of training a dog in an apartment, the creativity required to overcome distractions, and the importance of fostering a dog-owner relationship are all up for discussion.

This is for anyone who's ever doubted their training abilities or felt the pressure of unlocking their dog's potential—you're not alone, and your journey is part of a larger, inspiring narrative.

Want to train your dog with confidence like Cody? Visit: https://www.cornerstonegundogacademy.com to sign up today.

What if the love you harbor for the outdoors could be as profound as the bond you share with your dog? On our latest episode, we sit down with CGA member Steve, a seasoned outdoorsman with a wealth of wisdom to share on retriever training. Brought up in the embrace of nature, Steve’s journey with retriever training is a tale worth your time. Be it the tales of his childhood or the significant role his father played in nurturing his passion for hunting, Steve lays it all out for listeners, opening new perspectives on the complexities and joys of dog ownership.

Dive into the heartwarming stories of our Labrador companions, their diverse training experiences, and their hunting capabilities. The thrill of seeing Daisy, Steve's fourth lab, successfully retrieve, and the joy of her first duck hunt encapsulates the essence of our conversation. The challenges we've faced due to health issues and the lessons we've learned from our obedience training journey underscore the necessity of continuous learning and adaptation in the world of retriever training.

Tune in for an exciting recount of Daisy's first hunting adventures at Ringneck Ranch in Michigan. We wrap up our episode with Steve's enlightening journey of training his retriever, emphasizing the importance of a solid foundation in obedience. Join us for this thrilling adventure and take home nuggets of wisdom that can make your experience with your retriever more enriching. Steve's insights into the commitment and resilience required for success are sure to inspire all who aspire to master this profound bond between hunter and dog.

Join us on a captivating journey as fourth-generation Floridian, Louie Pappas opens up about his experiences training his retriever, Red. With the support of the Cornerstone Gun Dog Academy (CGA), Louie chronicles the lessons learned from generations of hunting in his family, the cherished artifacts passed down, and the intoxicating allure of waterfowl hunting. Listen as he reveals his joyous and challenging moments - from the day he picked up Red to their current training sessions.

Louie shares the highs and lows of dog training, reflecting on his evolving goals and the importance of taking each day as it comes. With a supportive community like CGA, he discusses the invaluable role it plays in fostering confident decision-making for your dog's training. From introducing Red to water in sunny Florida, keeping him cool on a boat in the summer, to training him for unique hunting situations - Louie's journey is a testament to patience, dedication, and an all-consuming passion for waterfowl retriever training.

Lastly, whether you're new to dog training or a seasoned trainer, this episode provides a treasure trove of wisdom, anecdotes, and advice that's hard to pass up. Want to train your dog like Louie? Visit https://www.cornerstonegundogacademy.com