BFH #068 What do retriever training and life's toughest challenges have in common? More than you might think. In this heartfelt conversation with CGA member Seth Vaughn, we explore how training a golden retriever named Rusty became not just about creating a hunting companion, but a journey of personal transformation and healing.

Seth takes us from his Southern Illinois upbringing surrounded by outdoor pursuits to his pivotal moment witnessing a trained retriever at work in Arkansas. That experience changed everything, setting him on a path that would eventually lead to Cornerstone Gundog Academy. Through candid stories of both struggle and triumph, Seth reveals how patience during fetch-hold-release training created the foundation for Rusty's later success, and how discovering his dog's response to verbal praise unlocked new levels of confidence and drive.

The conversation shifts from technical training insights to profound life lessons when Seth shares how dog training became his sanctuary during an exceptionally challenging 2023. Facing critical incidents as a police officer and his wife's serious car crash, Seth found clarity and restoration in those quiet moments working with Rusty. "Go train your dog" became more than advice—it became divine guidance that helped him navigate life's storms.

With hunting stories that showcase Rusty's impressive abilities (including diving completely underwater for a duck and marking a teal at 75 yards), Seth demonstrates how solid training translates to real-world results. But perhaps the most valuable takeaway comes in his parting wisdom: "There's really only one thing that you can control—how much effort you put into it." In retriever training as in life, simply showing up consistently is the foundation of success.

Ready to transform your relationship with your retriever while discovering unexpected lessons about patience, faith, and perseverance? This episode will inspire you to trust the process and train with your heart, not just your hands.

BFH #067: Ever wondered if you could train your own hunting retriever without professional help? James Rousse and his wife faced that question head-on when they brought home their Boykin Spaniel puppy, Benelli. What followed was a journey of patience, perseverance, and unexpected life lessons that transformed both dog and handlers.

Growing up in the hunting culture of Louisiana, James always admired the incredible work of retrievers in the field. When the opportunity arose to get a dog of his own, he chose the compact yet energetic Boykin Spaniel breed and committed to training him personally using Cornerstone Gundog Academy's Complete Retriever course. Despite having no previous retriever training experience, James and his wife tackled each lesson as a team, videoing sessions to identify areas for improvement and holding each other accountable.

The challenges were substantial – sweltering Louisiana heat that required creative solutions like training tents with fans, the need to modify standard hand signals for a smaller dog, and James's natural impatience being tested at every turn. Yet through consistency and focus on finding ways for their dog to win, they gradually built an incredible bond with Benelli. Their efforts culminated in a remarkable first hunting experience, where their young dog completed a challenging blind retrieve in foggy conditions that seemed impossible for a novice.

Beyond the hunting skills, James shares how the training process became a lifeline during personal struggles, providing structure and purpose when he and his wife faced two miscarriages. Now expecting their first child, they've witnessed how Benelli has become increasingly protective of his pregnant "mom." James's perspective on dog training transcends mere obedience – it becomes a mirror reflecting our own character, teaching us patience, resilience, and emotional intelligence in ways we never expected.

Ready to transform your relationship with your retriever? Visit cornerstonegundogacademy.com to learn how you can build an exceptional bond through structured training that brings out the best in both you and your dog.

Dive into a heartfelt conversation with Kevin on building a memorable bond with his hunting dog, Mabel. We explore Kevin's journey from a novice hunter to a dedicated retriever trainer, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs along the way. From learning how to handle Mabel’s exuberance to celebrating remarkable hunting successes, this episode captures the essence of what it means to train a dog and form a partnership in the field.

Listeners will appreciate Kevin’s candid reflections on his training process, his initial struggles, and how Cornerstone Gundog Academy offered the guidance and support he needed. Kevin emphasizes the significant role of foundational work and the value of community, offering practical tips on how aspiring trainers can navigate their own journeys.

The excitement builds as Kevin recounts memorable moments from hunting season including Mabel’s impressive retrieves, showcasing her transformation into a competent hunting companion. His advice resonates deeply, reminding all dog owners that patience is key, and that the struggles faced during training are part of an invaluable learning experience. 

Ready to step into your own journey with a hunting dog? Subscribe today and join us in the pursuit of creating strong, meaningful connections with our dogs in the world of hunting!

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

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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

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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

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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

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Visit: https://www.retrievertrainingsupply.com