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.