In this episode of the Cornerstone Gundog Academy Podcast, Barton Ramsey dives into one of the most important—and often misunderstood—parts of raising a great retriever: puppy socialization.

What does it really mean to socialize your pup? How do you set them up for success in those crucial first months? Barton unpacks the philosophy behind socialization, shares practical do’s and don’ts, and explains why shaping your puppy’s worldview early on makes all the difference.

You’ll learn:

• Why socialization isn’t just exposure—it’s about positive experiences.
• The key people, places, and situations your pup should encounter early.
• How early interactions with mom, littermates, and you shape lifelong behavior.
• Common mistakes owners make (and how to avoid them).

Whether you’re getting a new puppy, already have one at home, or just want to better understand your dog’s development, this episode will give you the tools to build a confident, well-adjusted gundog.

👉 Subscribe for more weekly retriever training tips and proven methods from Cornerstone Gundog Academy — your guide to training a hunting retriever you can be proud of!

Want to learn how to train your hunting dog with confidence?

Visit: Cornerstone Gundog Academy

Need gear for training your retriever, like collars, dog training dummies, and more?

Visit: Retriever Training Supply

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Does first pick really matter when choosing a puppy? In this episode of the Cornerstone Gundog Academy Podcast, Barton Ramsey dives into why focusing on the litter and parents matters far more than pick order. Backed by years of breeding, training, and research, you’ll learn what really sets you up for success.

Read the Blog Referenced in This Episode by Clicking Here

👉 Subscribe for more weekly retriever training tips and proven methods from Cornerstone Gundog Academy — your guide to training a hunting retriever you can be proud of!

Want to learn how to train your hunting dog with confidence?

Visit: Cornerstone Gundog Academy

Need gear for training your retriever, like collars, dog training dummies, and more?

Visit: Retriever Training Supply

Interested in sponsoring the Cornerstone Gundog Academy Podcast?

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In this episode of the Cornerstone Gundog Academy Podcast, we revisit one of the most impactful lessons I’ve ever shared—the five things I learned while training my very first retriever. Originally written as an email and later expanded into a blog, these lessons have resonated with countless retriever owners. Now, I’m bringing them to the podcast—updated with new insights and bonus wisdom gathered from years of training, conversations, and community feedback.

You’ll discover:

• What the hardest part of owning a retriever is.
• How shifting your mindset can unlock breakthroughs when training feels overwhelming.
• The importance of giving both you and your dog a break to reset and refocus.
• A trainer’s secret: using a simple go-to drill to rebuild confidence and keep momentum.
• Why community and connection are essential to success—and how the CGA family supports each step of the journey.

Whether you’re just starting out with your first retriever or looking for a fresh perspective to reignite your training, this episode will encourage you to slow down, enjoy the process, and make the most of every moment with your dog.

🎧 Tune in, take the next step forward, and be reminded: training isn’t about checking off boxes—it’s about building a lifelong bond.

Read the Blog Referenced in This Episode by Clicking Here

👉 Subscribe for more weekly retriever training tips and proven methods from Cornerstone Gundog Academy — your guide to training a hunting retriever you can be proud of!

Want to learn how to train your hunting dog with confidence?

Visit: Cornerstone Gundog Academy

Need gear for training your retriever, like collars, dog training dummies, and more?

Visit: Retriever Training Supply

Interested in sponsoring the Cornerstone Gundog Academy Podcast?

Fill out this form and tell us more about promoting your product, service, or brand.

In this episode of the Cornerstone Gundog Academy podcast, Barton Ramsey and Josh Parvin are introducing a new series called Retriever School. Retriever School is a 9-week video series that teaches struggling retriever owners how to turn things around step by step. It’s fun, easy to follow, and gets fantastic results for both the dog and the owner. 

Ready to join Retriever School? Click Here to Learn More!

Want to learn how to train your hunting dog with confidence?

Visit: Cornerstone Gundog Academy

Need gear for training your retriever, like collars, dog training dummies, and more?

Visit: Retriever Training Supply

Interested in sponsoring the Cornerstone Gundog Academy Podcast?

Fill out this form and tell us moreto inquire about promoting your product, service, or brand.

Is your dog at risk of overheating this summer? 🌡️ You head out for a hunt, a training session, or even just a walk — and suddenly your dog seems sluggish, panting hard, or worse. Overheating can happen quickly, and if you don’t know what to look for, it can be dangerous.

In this episode of the Cornerstone Gundog Academy podcast, we dig into the warning signs of dog overheating, what to do if it happens, and how to prevent it in the first place.

You’ll learn:

• The early signs and symptoms your dog may be overheating
• What to do immediately if your dog gets too hot
• Proven prevention strategies to keep your dog safe in the heat
• Special considerations for retrievers and hunting dogs working in hot weather

Whether you’re training a retriever in the field, taking your hunting dog out on a summer day, or just enjoying time with your family pet, these principles apply to all breeds and situations. My goal is to help you not only recognize overheating before it becomes dangerous, but also to provide you with clear, actionable steps you can use immediately to keep your dog safe.

Read the Blog Referenced in This Episode by Clicking Here

👉 Subscribe for more weekly retriever training tips and proven methods from Cornerstone Gundog Academy — your guide to training a hunting retriever you can be proud of!

Want to learn how to train your hunting dog with confidence?

Visit: Cornerstone Gundog Academy

Need gear for training your retriever, like collars, dog training dummies, and more?

Visit: Retriever Training Supply

Interested in sponsoring the Cornerstone Gundog Academy Podcast?

Fill out this form and tell us more about promoting your product, service, or brand.

Is your dog ignoring you no matter what you try? You give a command, and they look away, wander off, or act like they’ve never heard you. In this episode of the Cornerstone Gundog Academy podcast, we dig into why your dog won’t listen—and how you can fix it starting today.

You’ll learn:

• The real reasons dogs ignore commands (it’s not always disobedience)
• 4 scientifically proven ways you can influence your dog’s behavior
• The breakthrough Cornerstone Gundog Protocol for when your dog “not interested”
• How to shift from frustration to focus with simple training adjustments

Whether you’re training a retriever, working with a stubborn puppy, or just want a calmer, more obedient companion, these principles apply to all breeds and training stages. My goal is to help you not only understand why your dog won’t listen, but also to provide you with practical, actionable steps you can implement right away.

Subscribe for more weekly dog training tips and proven methods from Cornerstone Gundog Academy—your guide to raising and training a confident, obedient, and reliable retriever.

Want to learn how to train your hunting dog with confidence?

Visit: Cornerstone Gundog Academy

Need gear for training your retriever, like collars, dog training dummies, and more?

Visit: Retriever Training Supply

Interested in sponsoring the Cornerstone Gundog Academy Podcast?

Fill out this form and tell us moreto inquire about promoting your product, service, or brand.

Retriever training costs have become one of the most confusing and misleading aspects of owning a hunting dog. Drawing from years of experience and hard-learned lessons, this episode cuts through the noise to reveal what you'll actually pay for various levels of retriever training in 2025.

What standard are you actually training to? What expectations do you have for your hunting companion? Your answers to these questions will determine not just how much you'll spend, but whether you'll be satisfied with what you get. Before investing thousands in retriever training, make sure you understand exactly what you're paying for.

Want to learn how to train your dog and save money?

Visit 👉🏼 Cornerstone Gundog Academy

Need gear for training your retriever?

Visit 👉🏼 Retriever Training Supply

Ever found yourself wondering what your retriever is trying to tell you? That moment when training suddenly goes sideways and you can't figure out why? The answer lies in understanding your dog's engagement level—a fundamental skill that transforms good handlers into great ones.

This deep dive into "reading your dog" strips away the complexity and focuses on what truly matters: recognizing when your retriever is mentally connected versus when they're checking out. Drawing from both scientific research and years of practical experience, we explore how specific body language signals—wide eyes, forward ears, high tail position, and closed mouth—correlate directly with better learning outcomes.

What separates this approach from typical body language discussions is our focus on the concept of "training load." Like athletes who need recovery time between workouts, retrievers accumulate mental and physical stress that affects their performance. Understanding this explains those puzzling moments when your dog nails a concept one day but struggles with it the next.

The subtle signals matter most: the slight ear droop when a whistle is blown, the distant gaze when previously they were laser-focused, or the gradually lowering tail position. These aren't signs of stubbornness or disobedience—they're valuable feedback about your dog's current capacity to engage and learn.

This episode provides practical insights without overcomplicating the process. You don't need to be a canine body language expert; you simply need to ask one question consistently: "Is my dog engaged right now?" This awareness transforms training decisions, helping you know when to push forward, when to simplify, and when a complete break might be the best choice.

For both new retriever owners and experienced handlers, this episode offers a framework that enhances communication and strengthens the training partnership. Connect with your dog's signals, and watch your training outcomes transform.

References:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/269514260_Dogs'_Body_Language_Relevant_to_Learning_Achievement

Steadiness might be the most underrated quality in a hunting retriever. It's also the most misunderstood. Rather than simply sitting still during retrieves, true steadiness represents something far more profound: a dog that trusts you enough to override its own powerful instincts.

Ever watched another hunter's dog break on birds while yours sits calmly at your side? That magical moment isn't just about obedience—it's about the bond you've built. As we approach early hunting season, now is the perfect time to develop this quality that transforms both safety and success in the field.

The podcast dismantles common steadiness myths that hold handlers back. No, teaching steadiness won't kill your puppy's retrieving drive. No, a dog that's started breaking isn't "ruined." Through practical game plans for both problem dogs and puppies, you'll learn how to implement the 90-10 rule (90% success-focused training, 10% challenge) that builds confidence without frustration. Specific tools like steady tabs and remote marks provide the structure needed for breakthrough moments.

What makes this approach different is viewing steadiness as a lifestyle rather than an isolated skill. From mealtime to doorways, everyday moments become opportunities to build the trust foundation that translates to hunting success. The most powerful training accelerator? Working with other dogs whenever possible.

Whether you're preparing for early season or starting with a new puppy, these techniques will help you develop a retriever that chooses your commands over its own desires. Ready to transform your hunting experience through steadiness? Start implementing these techniques today, and share this episode with your hunting buddies—they'll thank you when they're no longer apologizing for their dog's behavior in the blind.

Welcome to the first episode of the Cornerstone Gundog Academy podcast, where we provide valuable tips and insights for your retriever training journey. This shorter-format podcast aims to deliver concrete, trustworthy advice in 20-30 minute episodes to help you overcome training challenges and develop a retriever you can be proud of.

• Cornerstone Gundog Academy was founded in 2016 to provide a comprehensive digital training platform
• Over 7,000 dog owners have successfully used our methods to develop great retrievers
• Our step-by-step courses eliminate confusion from contradictory training advice
• We believe anyone can train a great retriever with the right guidance
• Focus on your dog's momentum and attitude as the gauge of successful training
• Set up training scenarios where your dog can win to maintain enthusiasm
• Dogs learn through repetition - ensure you're repeating the right behaviors

Please like, subscribe, and leave comments with your training questions on YouTube - your questions may become future episode topics!