BFH #068 What do retriever training and life's toughest challenges have in common? More than you might think. In this heartfelt conversation with CGA member Seth Vaughn, we explore how training a golden retriever named Rusty became not just about creating a hunting companion, but a journey of personal transformation and healing.

Seth takes us from his Southern Illinois upbringing surrounded by outdoor pursuits to his pivotal moment witnessing a trained retriever at work in Arkansas. That experience changed everything, setting him on a path that would eventually lead to Cornerstone Gundog Academy. Through candid stories of both struggle and triumph, Seth reveals how patience during fetch-hold-release training created the foundation for Rusty's later success, and how discovering his dog's response to verbal praise unlocked new levels of confidence and drive.

The conversation shifts from technical training insights to profound life lessons when Seth shares how dog training became his sanctuary during an exceptionally challenging 2023. Facing critical incidents as a police officer and his wife's serious car crash, Seth found clarity and restoration in those quiet moments working with Rusty. "Go train your dog" became more than advice—it became divine guidance that helped him navigate life's storms.

With hunting stories that showcase Rusty's impressive abilities (including diving completely underwater for a duck and marking a teal at 75 yards), Seth demonstrates how solid training translates to real-world results. But perhaps the most valuable takeaway comes in his parting wisdom: "There's really only one thing that you can control—how much effort you put into it." In retriever training as in life, simply showing up consistently is the foundation of success.

Ready to transform your relationship with your retriever while discovering unexpected lessons about patience, faith, and perseverance? This episode will inspire you to trust the process and train with your heart, not just your hands.