The Lab

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.

#005 Picture the brisk San Jac River region where young John Dunaway embarks on his first duck hunt. That's where our journey begins, as we explore the deep-rooted history of hunting, painting vivid pictures of unique experiences such as an unforgettable trip to Oyster Bayou and recounting memories of a yellow lab named Nixon. We navigate through these tales and more, seeking to bring moments to life that have shaped the bond between man and dog.

We venture into uncharted waters - the life of a ship pilot, a challenging profession that requires unique skills and precision. We offer a blow-by-blow account of navigating the waters, including the famous Texas Chicken maneuver used to pass ships safely in narrow channels.

We then dive into a unique South Texas dove hunting experience. Picture a field complete with coolers, umbrellas, food, and even a mariachi band! We share insights into retriever work and even give you a sneak peek into a beach house on South Padre. It's not just about hunting, it's about the camaraderie, the shared experiences, and the bonds formed. For hunting enthusiasts and dog lovers, this episode promises a blend of humor, excitement, and nostalgia. We hope you're ready for a wild ride!

Episode #004 What do you get when you mix life's unpredictability, a shared passion for gun dogs, and a sprinkle of humor? You get a riveting conversation between Clark Kennington and myself. We discuss the precision cleanliness required at a dog kennel, and draw parallels between navigating stormy weather and life's unexpected twists. 

Immerse yourself in our world of dog training as we delve into the American dream that came true for me - rising from a novice to a successful trainer and owner of my own kennel. Can't resist a heartwarming story? Clark's got you covered with an inspirational tale of a friend who trained the youngest Grand Hunting Retriever champion in sub-optimal conditions. We also tackle the tricky situation of knowing when to "puppy pass" - recognizing a pup better suited to a different trainer.

Our conversation doesn't shy away from the technical, as we debate various training methods and their merits. We highlight the importance of understanding why certain methods work, and how balanced training is key. Need some dog training tips? We've got you covered with a detailed discussion of pattern blinds and how they can be integrated into your training regimen. So sit back, relax, and join us on this enthralling journey through the world of gun dogs, and more.

Episode #003 Imagine traversing the stunning landscapes of New Zealand, from North to South, amidst the unpredictable weather and diverse cultural contrasts. My friend Geoff Irvine and I bring this experience to you, as we embark on a fascinating discussion about his homeland. We touch on the peculiarities of New Zealand's geography, the distinct hunting styles between the two islands, and the current weather patterns that are causing more rainfall than usual right in the middle of winter. Spoiler alert: I also reveal my plans to return to New Zealand to partake in some thrilling goose and duck hunting for my 40th birthday!

New Zealand is known for many things, and its world-class waterfowl and Canada geese hunting opportunities are definitely high on the list. Geoff paints a vivid picture of the different hunting seasons across the regions, the history of Canada geese in the country, and the preparation that goes into hunting these birds. He also shares the reason why Canada geese can be hunted all year round in New Zealand - a fact that you may find quite intriguing! 

But our conversation isn't limited to hunting alone. As we delve deeper, we explore the cultural contrasts in hunting and dog training across the North and South Islands. Geoff shares the journey of his dog Jess and how she has grown from a timid pup to a bold hunting companion, thanks to some training tactics that I shared during my visit to New Zealand. We also touch on different dog personalities and their impact on hunting and training abilities. We wrap up with stories from our own hunting adventures in New Zealand and the USA, while eagerly looking forward to future conversations and hunting escapades together. Join us as we take you on an international waterfowl hunting experience like no other!

Episode #002 The journey into the outdoor industry has afforded me many life-changing friendships. One of those friends is the talented Josh Raggio of Raggio Custom Calls. In this episode, Josh and I cover everything from shallow social media shade to the depths of balancing running a business with raising children. 

Josh Raggio has created a timeless brand with his custom duck calls. He explains where the beauty of each call comes from, which may be as surprising to you as it is to him! He and I also walk through the journey from our prior jobs to working within the outdoor space. 

Josh is as genuine of a guy as you’ll find, and this becomes increasingly apparent through both his duck call brand and his Raggio Mercantile shop in Raymond, MS. I hope that our conversation sheds a little light on some of the more important aspects of work-life balance as well as the things that make this journey beautiful, whether that’s ducks dropping to the sound of a call you’ve created or a crazy retrieve made by a dog you’ve trained. 

Episode #001 When I first ventured into the world of dog training and hunting, I was fortunate to meet an incredible mentor, Mark Hairfield. Together, we reminisce about our humble beginnings, Mark's 42-year career in field trials with dogs, and our shared love for gun dogs and the great outdoors. Join us as Mark imparts his wisdom on what it takes to make a dog a field champion in the AKC and his ultimate goal of qualifying dogs for national events.

We also explore the role of luck in field trials and the appeal of training level-headed British Labs and Springers. Mark shares his journey with his Springer Spaniel, Badger, whose legacy set the bar high for future generations of hunting dogs. With over 250 Open All Age points and 60 Field Champions produced from his frozen semen, Badger's incredible intelligence and skill have left an indelible mark on the dog training world.

As we celebrate the camaraderie among fellow enthusiasts and the inspiring world of gun dogs, listen in for Mark's insights on balancing competition with client support and the importance of fostering a strong sense of community. We hope you enjoy this episode and walk away with a greater appreciation for the dedication, passion, and expertise it takes to excel in the dog training and hunting world. 

Visit https://www.cornerstonegundogacademy.com to learn how to train your retriever.

Welcome to The Lab, a podcast focused on Gundogs, Good Times, and the Great Outdoors. Join host Barton Ramsey as he interviews outdoorsmen who have excelled in a multitude of avenues involving gundog, hunting, and business endeavors. The Lab is produced by Cornerstone Gundog Academy - online resources to help you train your retriever. Visit https://www.cornerstonegundogacademy.com for more information.