Build From Here

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 b...

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 admir...

Dive into a heartfelt conversation with Kevin on building a memorable bond with his hunting dog, Mabel. We explore Kevin's journey from a novice hunter to a dedicated retriever trainer, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs along the way. From learning how to handle Mabel’s exuberance to celebrating remarkable hunting successes, this episode captures the essence of what it means to tr...

In this episode of the Build From Here podcast, host Josh Parvin interviews Ken Witt, a Founder's Member of CGA and the creator of Gundog Nation. Ken shares his journey from a rural upbringing in Kentucky to becoming a lawyer, military veteran, and passionate dog trainer. He discusses the importance of mindset in training, the transition to retrievers, and the value of community in dog traini...

Training a retriever can be a rollercoaster of triumphs and challenges. Jarod and Melody Free have grown familiar with these ups and downs over the past 18 months. Join us as Jarod and Melody share how one expensive house repair lead to them taking on the challenge of training their dog, Punch, on their own with the help of our courses. From tackling the fetch hold release phase to navigating the...

Every hunter has their start. Whether it was a friend inviting them to try hunting or a beloved father. In CGA Member Wayne Triplett's case, his grandad was the first one to introduce him to the outdoors when he took him on his first turkey hunt. That defining moment in Wayne's life started a lifelong passion for the outdoors. Wayne's infectious enthusiasm for the sport and his dogs...

It's amazing how one simple duck hunt can change everything.  Some 17 years ago, one simple duck hunt transformed CGA Member Todd Sanders from a deer hunter into a duck hunter nearly instantaneously. From that day forward, Todd has been in a passionate pursuit of the sport of waterfowl hunting. All waterfowlers can agree a good dog can make or break a hunt. Todd decided to take his hunting a...

Every hunter deserves to have a hunting dog that they are proud to hunt with in the duck blind. So often, hunters end up settling for less because they just aren't sure how to train their dog or because they are overwhelmed by all of the misinformation out there. Scott started out on his journey unsure if he would be able to train his dog with limited time and the uncertainty of not doing it...

Join us in today's episode as we talk with CGA Members Steve and Cherie Strongman. Steve and Cherie share the challenges they have faced as first-time retriever owners and how they have overcome those challenges and gained confidence on their retriever training journey. Want to learn more about how you can gain confidence on your retriever training journey? Visit: https://www.cornerstonegundo...

Marty Haynes is an incredible man who exemplifies what it means to be a CGA Member. From walking the walk himself to helping other people on their journey of training a hunting retriever, Marty is always willing to learn and lend a hand.  Join him as he shares his success tales from this past hunting season and recounts the triumphs and challenges of shaping Koda and Bear into the impressive duck-...

When Cody Weis recounts his first experiences in the world of duck hunting and dog training, it's more than just a story—it's a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and the deep bonds we share with our hunting retrievers. From Wisconsin to Texas, join us as Cody and I explore the emotional rollercoaster that is dog training—from those first nervous attempts to the remark...

What if the love you harbor for the outdoors could be as profound as the bond you share with your dog? On our latest episode, we sit down with CGA member Steve, a seasoned outdoorsman with a wealth of wisdom to share on retriever training. Brought up in the embrace of nature, Steve’s journey with retriever training is a tale worth your time. Be it the tales of his childhood or the significant role...

Join us on a captivating journey as fourth-generation Floridian, Louie Pappas opens up about his experiences training his retriever, Red. With the support of the Cornerstone Gun Dog Academy (CGA), Louie chronicles the lessons learned from generations of hunting in his family, the cherished artifacts passed down, and the intoxicating allure of waterfowl hunting. Listen as he reveals his joyous and...

CGA Member Jake Birrenkott.  This podcast is full of valuable insights and inspiration that can help you on your training journey.  From BBQ analogies to discussing the American style of training vs. the British style of training, this is one hunting dog podcast you do not want to miss. Learn more at https://www.cornerstonegundogacademy.com/podcast Listen to this episode to hear CGA Member Jake Bi...

Episode #55 Welcome to the BuildFromHere Podcast. A podcast for the hunter and sporting dog enthusiast alike. Join your host, Joshua Parvin, as he interviews retriever owners and discusses the trials and triumphs that lead to a great gundog. BuildFromHere is presented by Cornerstone Gundog Academy- Online resources to help you train your retriever. Learn more at https://www.cornerstonegundogacadem...

BFH Ep. 053 Meet our guest, Nick Hibbs, a proud Labrador Retriever owner, and a passionate hunter. In a captivating recount, he takes us on a thrilling journey of his 10-hour drive with the lively Winston, his bond with his father's Fox Red Lab Maverick, and how an unforgettable incident with Maverick retrieving a goose sparked his love affair with dog training. Hear about Nick's transfo...

EP: #052 Ever wondered how dedication and passion contribute to the world of retriever training? Join me as I chat with Matt Papke, a CGA member who has transformed the life of his canine companion Luna through perseverance and commitment. We trace Matt's journey into hunting and the experiences that led him to become a duck hunter, including his first deer hunting experience with his friend...

Episode #051 From his first duck hunt in South Central Louisiana to training his very own hunting dog, Cullam Pope has been a passionate outdoorsman since childhood. On this special episode of Build From Here, we welcome CGA member Cullam as he shares his journey and the challenges he's faced while training his Labrador Retriever, Beau. Join us as we listen to the inspiring story of dedicatio...

Episode #050 When my impatience led me to embark on a 52-week dog training program, little did I know how much my life would change. Join us for an engaging discussion with fellow CGA member Luke Wolfert as we share our journey into hunting, dog training, and the unexpected rewards that come along the way. Luke's passion for hunting began at the age of 20. Starting with bow hunting, progressi...

Episode #049 Welcome to the BuildFromHere Podcast. A podcast for the hunter and sporting dog enthusiast alike. Join your host, Joshua Parvin, as he interviews retriever owners and discusses the trials and triumphs that lead to a great gundog. BuildFromHere is presented by Cornerstone Gundog Academy- Online resources to help you train your retriever. Learn more at https://www.cornerstonegundogacade...

Episode #048 Welcome to the BuildFromHere Podcast. A podcast for the hunter and sporting dog enthusiast alike. Join your host, Joshua Parvin, as he interviews retriever owners and discusses the trials and triumphs that lead to a great gundog. BuildFromHere is presented by Cornerstone Gundog Academy- Online resources to help you train your retriever. Learn more at https://www.cornerstonegundogacade...

Episode #047 Welcome to the BuildFromHere Podcast. A podcast for the hunter and sporting dog enthusiast alike. Join your host, Joshua Parvin, as he interviews retriever owners and discusses the trials and triumphs that lead to a great gundog. BuildFromHere is presented by Cornerstone Gundog Academy- Online resources to help you train your retriever. Learn more at https://www.cornerstonegundogacade...

Episode #046 Welcome to the BuildFromHere Podcast. A podcast for the hunter and sporting dog enthusiast alike. Join your host, Joshua Parvin, as he interviews retriever owners and discusses the trials and triumphs that lead to a great gundog. BuildFromHere is presented by Cornerstone Gundog Academy- Online resources to help you train your retriever. Learn more at https://www.cornerstonegundogacade...

Episode #045 Welcome to the BuildFromHere Podcast. A podcast for the hunter and sporting dog enthusiast alike. Join your host, Joshua Parvin, as he interviews retriever owners and discusses the trials and triumphs that lead to a great gundog. BuildFromHere is presented by Cornerstone Gundog Academy- Online resources to help you train your retriever. Learn more at https://www.cornerstonegundogacade...

Episode #044Welcome to the BuildFromHere Podcast. A podcast for the hunter and sporting dog enthusiast alike. Join your host, Joshua Parvin, as he interviews retriever owners and discusses the trials and triumphs that lead to a great gundog. BuildFromHere is presented by Cornerstone Gundog Academy- Online resources to help you train your retriever. Learn more at https://www.cornerstonegundogacadem...