Send us a text

Ben Randall, double British National Field Trial Champion and creator of the revolutionary BG method, challenges traditional training approaches in this eye-opening conversation. Drawing from decades of experience training hundreds of dogs and teaching thousands of handlers worldwide, Randall reveals how psychology-driven training produces exceptional results without harsh corrections.

At the heart of Randall's approach is a profound shift in perspective—training the human first, then the dog. "Many people talk about dog psychology and training with dog psychology. Well, I don't really buy into that," he explains. "The people training the dog are humans. If a trainer can understand human psychology first, how to implement those training methods to the client, that's a far better way of doing it."

Randall's innovative mealtime training method transforms how puppies learn core commands. By using feeding opportunities to teach directional work, puppies master complex handling skills months before traditional training would begin. This foundation creates young dogs capable of performing like seasoned veterans, all while building an unbreakable handler-dog bond.

Perhaps most controversial is Randall's stance against unlimited freedom for young dogs. "If I give a puppy freedom twice daily, that's 60 sessions a month I've taught that dog to find enjoyment without me," he notes, explaining how this creates the recall and steadiness problems handlers later struggle to fix. Instead, structured engagement with clear boundaries produces dogs that naturally want to remain connected.

Whether you're training your first gun dog or have handled dozens, Randall's methods challenge conventional wisdom while producing undeniable results. Download his BG Gundog App or find his book "How to Train Your Gundog" to dive deeper into a system that's transforming the gun dog world one meal at a time.

Support the show

Gundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by:

Purina Pro Plan

Cornerstone Gundog Academy

Retriever Training Supply

Migra Ammunitions

Waterstone Labradors

PhoLicious Foods