This one’s a deep dive into the beginning of the retriever journey — before force fetch, before handling… before most people even think about training.

Chris sits down with Grace Williams to talk about whelping, puppy development, and what actually creates a solid dog before it ever hits the training field.

From “finger painters” to kennel habits, potty training systems, and puppy socialization, Grace breaks down the small details that separate easy dogs from problem dogs.

They also get into:

• Grace’s unique path into the dog game (starting at 16)
• Building a business around breeding, puppy raising, and training
• Why most puppy problems start with the breeder — not the trainer
• Systems that make puppies easier to transition into homes
• How early structure impacts long-term performance

If you’ve ever thought about raising a litter — or just want a better dog — this episode is packed with practical takeaways.