#015 Wally's seasoned insights combined with the tales of our dogs' progression from eager puppies to disciplined retrievers is a narrative that will captivate both the novice and the experienced handler. As we dissect the nuances of our training methods, you'll find yourself immersed in the complexity and dedication it takes to cultivate a gundog's potential. From the tailored approaches we employ to instill a strong water attitude to the "Wally Drill" that keeps the pups' tails wagging with excitement, we leave no stone unturned. 

The conversation doesn't end there; we venture into the collective dynamic of group training, emphasizing the mental agility it instills in our dogs, before delving into the critical aspects of retrieval training. Trust me when I say that our experiences, coupled with the shared advice on positive reinforcement and the patience required in this craft, will resonate with anyone who's ever looked into the loyal eyes of a gundog and seen the untapped potential within. Join us as we recount our journey with these remarkable animals, and perhaps you'll discover the key to unlocking your own dog's full capabilities.

#014 Ever wondered what it takes to turn a good gundog into a great one? Strap in for a journey through Cornerstone Gundog Academy's Member Weekend in Jasper, Alabama, where the synergy between handler and retriever takes center stage. As your guide, I'll recount the excitement and invaluable lessons from group obedience workouts to the mock hunts. We're talking precision drills for every skill level, from eager pups to those venerable retrievers that still show us the ropes—and trust me, even my seasoned companions Twig and Ozzie had their moments to shine and areas to grow. 

I'll share the triumphs and the hiccups, all while celebrating the progress and camaraderie that comes from facing challenges as a team. Handlers, novices, and experts alike, stepped up their game, proving that every stumble is a leap forward in the training world. So, buckle up, bring your love for gundogs, and prepare for an episode that's not just about training tips but about the heart-pumping, tail-wagging adventure that is the cornerstone of every great gundog story.

#013 Spring's arrival always brings back memories of cool mornings turned warm, as my son Noah and I tread softly through the awakening woods, our retrievers eager at our heels. It's a time of transition, from the quiet end of waterfowl season to the lively beginnings of summer training, and no one embraces this change more than Noah. He reminds us that the hunt isn't always about the shot—it's about the joy in the journey and the dance of a job well done by our four-legged companions. Join us as we recount family escapades and the triumphant milestones of a boy and his dog.

Noah, stepping confidently into the storytelling ring, brings to life the adventures of our unique Thanksgiving at Salt Plains, a day as memorable for its departures from tradition as it is for the laughter and bonding it brought. At the heart of our conversation are the ties that bind, the lessons learned amidst nature's grandeur, and the shared experiences that form the bedrock of family lore. Whether it's battling the elements on our annual Purpose trip or the sweet victory of Noah's first Mallard with a trusty 410, these are the tales that weave the fabric of our kinship.

Wrapping up with practical nuggets of wisdom, our chat transitions from heartfelt reflection to the nitty-gritty of travel and training with a lively crew of kids and canines. Noah's insights on overcoming separation anxiety and his love for the training field enrich our dialogue, offering a fresh perspective on ensuring comfort for all on our jaunts through the countryside. Our hope is that these shared stories, seasoned with the humor and warmth only a father-son duo can provide, inspire you to craft your own cherished memories, whether in the blind, on the road, or during those quiet moments at home with your own family and loyal retrievers at your side.

#012 Join The Lab as Mississippi's own Kippy Kemp, an aficionado of dog training and field trials, brings his homespun wisdom to the mic. With stories as rich as the soil on his Brangus cattle farm, Kippy delves into the intricacies of raising champion retrievers and the community spirit found in places like Cornerstone Gundog Academy. As we swap tales of quail hunts and the changing landscapes of turkey and quail populations, you'll feel the nostalgia and passion that drive both Kippy and I.

The competitive spirit of field trials takes center stage in our conversation as we dissect the psychological edge and meticulous standards that set apart these dog events. It's not just about a dog passing a test; it's the performance, the finesse, and the deep connection between handler and canine that truly make for a winning team. From the all-age stakes to the evolution of dog sports, we explore the bond that forms when training translates to triumph, and how the love for the game transcends all.

Wrapping up our chat, we step into the kennel to uncover the daily regimens that enhance a dog's innate talents, and the patience and adaptability required in training. Kippy imparts lessons from his journey, offering a mentor's perspective on navigating the learning plateaus of puppies and the delicate art of applying pressure. We also reflect on the diverse qualities of British and American breeds, the politics behind the trials, and the camaraderie that enriches the dog training community. So sit back, and let us guide you through a world where dedication to dogs intersects with the love of the land and the thrill of competition.

#011 Ever found yourself trying to perfect the sit-stay command while juggling a conference call and prepping dinner? You're not alone. I, Barton Ramsey, alongside my close pal Miles Durham from Southern Oak Kennels, get real about the tightrope walk of managing a demanding career, nurturing family life, and following our heart's call to dog training. Miles opens up about the hurdles and triumphs of training dogs as a side hustle while being a dedicated husband and father. We weave through anecdotes and insights, offering encouragement to fellow dog lovers striving to find harmony in their bustling lives.

Our conversation takes a turn as we reminisce about our personal journeys with our canine companions. We reflect on how the early days with my dog, Doc, compare to the current challenges of building a consistent training routine for young Boss, amidst life's relentless pace. The importance of striking the right balance in training, to nurture obedience and field skills without overtraining, is a thread that runs through our candid discussion. We also celebrate the lessons learned from our dogs, the emotional intelligence they possess, and how they mirror our attitudes during training—highlighting the profound impact our own emotions have on their performance.

Closing the episode, we toast to the incredible bonds forged with fellow dog lovers and the lasting imprint left by dogs like Penn, whose retirement story we fondly share. We cap off with a glimpse into the heartfelt and sometimes humorous dance of life with our four-legged friends. Whether you're gearing up for chilly weather hunts or simply finding solace in the company of your loyal pup, this episode is dedicated to those of us who make room for our passions amid the whirlwind of everyday life. Join us for a soul-stirring tribute to the dedication and camaraderie that defines the dog training community.

Join us on a thrilling journey with our guest, Bill Free, a seasoned duck hunter, mayor of Duckville, USA, and chairman of a waterfowl festival. Throughout his many adventures, Bill has formed a close friendship with George H. Dunklin, JR, contributed to the scientific study of duck habitats, and built an admirable rapport with his stud dogs. This lively discussion will cover everything from hunting practices at the renowned Five Oaks Lodge to Bill's recent Italian escape and how he has juggled his responsibilities since his return.

Step into the world of George H. Dunklin, Jr, the mind behind the famed Five Oaks Lodge. Discover how he transformed this venue into a research hub for duck habitat, educating future generations on duck conservation. Our chat will take you through the art of timber hunts, the role of wind conditions in duck hunting, and the tracking of duck migration patterns. We'll also shed light on the significance of hunting pressure on these fascinating creatures.

As we move forward, we'll talk about the iconic Stuttgart, Arkansas World Duck Calling Championship. Learn about our training experiences with retriever, Maggie, in preparation for field trials. You'll also hear about the Duck Festival and Gumbo Cook-Off, a unique sticker tradition, and the vital role of the stage in Stuttgart’s community events.

Episode #009 What are British field trials like? What is it like hunting with dogs in the United Kingdom? In our latest episode, we sit down with Laura Hill of Stauntonvale Gundogs to discuss British field sports and training styles. 

Laura is one of the most accomplished field trialers in the UK. She’s made up eight dogs to Field Trial Champion, a journey we discuss in-depth in this podcast.  As an A-Panel judge under the Kennel Club, Laura has a wealth of knowledge of the ins and outs of shooting sports in the UK. 

In this podcast, we also cover several training topics from how to start with young puppies to the importance of making whistle-stops, or “whistle-starts”, fun for the dog. 

This is the first in-person podcast from “The Lab”, and we are incredibly grateful to Laura for hosting us at her home in England and sharing from her dog training and field trial experience. 

Episode #008 What if your fiercely independent but stubbornly aggressive canine companion could transform into a disciplined, well-behaved sidekick? This episode brings you face-to-face with Brady Foster, owner of K9 Gunner Tactical, as he unpacks his experiences in military service and how it shaped his approach to gun dog training. Listen as he shares the riveting journey of acquiring Waylon, his Labrador Retriever, and how this led him to the fascinating world of retriever trainers and their impressive control and handling abilities.

Taking on the challenge of transforming aggression into obedience, Brady's journey moves from quantity to quality, focusing on the dog's emotional cues and providing effective leadership. In a heartfelt conversation, Brady delves into the importance of markers in training, sharing a personal anecdote about training Waylon using these cues. They highlight the monumental role of timing and impulse control, shedding light on how these factors can drastically sway a dog's behavior.

From addressing the common whining issue in dogs to recounting his first duck hunting adventure, Brady provides a treasure trove of knowledge, valuable for every dog owner. He emphasizes the significance of understanding a dog's emotional cues in different situations and provides insightful tips on managing these effectively. To wrap up, we discuss the anticipation of an upcoming duck hunt while underscoring the importance of quality time with our four-legged friends. This episode promises to be a game-changer, especially for those intrigued by gun dog training. Tune in and be part of this transformative journey.

Episode #007 Ever wondered how the world of outdoor adventure and entrepreneurship intersects? In our latest episode, I had the pleasure of having a heart-to-heart conversation with John David Blagg, co-founder of FowlCo Outfitters. We journeyed back to our first unexpected encounter and discussed how it influenced the dawn of FowlCo. We also touched on parenting practices, instilling a sense of curiosity and a bit of laughter within our conversation.

John David unraveled his compelling journey of trading the residential development world for the outdoor industry. His determination to fulfill his purpose was the fuel that sparked the birth of FowlCo Outfitters. The laughter in the room was palpable as he shared a funny mishap involving his son Bear and a line from the movie School of Rock. We also threw light on the incredible team at Falco Outfitters, their experiences, and the significant role of dogs in waterfowl guiding. 

We concluded our chat by addressing the hurdles in the outdoor industry, including managing relationships with overlapping brands. John David emphasized the necessity of having a plan B, but also highlighted how passion acts as a driving force. We reflected on the emotional rollercoaster of losing a cherished pet, with John David sharing a touching story about his dog, Money. This episode is not only rich in stories but also filled with insights that will surely keep you hooked till the end.

Episode #006  Join us as my good friend Aaron Hitchins and I revisit memorable moments of our hunting journeys, the anticipation of new seasons, and the struggles with patience that come along with it. We opened up about our experiences with the weather extremes in Canada and the US, and shared tales from our first hunting trip together, where a muddy spring snow goose hunt became a story for the ages. Aaron’s mom’s story brings an unexpected twist to the narrative as she plunges into the world of dog ownership and training, with a British Labrador being her first ever pet.

Our podcast takes a turn as we delve into the world of our four-legged hunting companions - Labrador retrievers. We reflected on their amazing adaptability in extreme weather conditions, and how these furry friends have woven their way into the fabric of our lives. We also discussed the unique bond that develops during the training process, highlighted by the hilarious yet effective tactics Aaron's mom used to train her new Labrador.

The final part of our discussion centers on the role of photography in preserving hunting memories. We recalled the breathtaking photo of my dog, Harry, and shared our thoughts on the creative process behind such captures. A revisit to our 2016 conversation about a comprehensive app for dog owners, leading to the launch of the OG Cornerstone Gundog Academy, gave us a chance to reflect on our progress. As a bonus, we shared an incredible story about a courageous dog that saved its owner from a bear, reminding us of the invaluable presence of these animals in our lives. Join us as we embark on this reflective journey and explore the beauty of being hunters and dog owners.