Cornerstone Gundog Academy Official

Fireworks can be fun for us, but they can be a major problem for dogs—especially hunting retrievers that need to remain confident around loud noises like gunfire. In this episode, Josh Parvin breaks down how fireworks are different from gunfire, why even a dog that is comfortable with gunfire may still react poorly to fireworks, and what you should do before, during, and after the Fourth of July t...

Duck season may be over, but your dog’s training shouldn’t be. In the previous episode, Barton Ramsey talked through some of the more common issues handlers see during the season — breaking, sloppy delivery, and switching. In this episode, he moves into some of the more advanced problems that tend to show up once your dog has a little experience under its belt. Things like not stopping cleanly on...

Duck season is over. Unless you’re still chasing snow geese somewhere, most of us are done. The decoys are put up, the guns are cleaned, and now there’s a decision to make. Are you going to coast until preseason… Or are you going to fix what showed up this year? In this episode, Barton Ramsey steps in to talk about what he calls the post-season tune-up. Because if you hunted much at all, your dog...

If you’ve got an older retriever and you’re wondering whether it’s too late to train… this episode is for you. Maybe you started strong when your dog was a puppy. Maybe life got busy. Maybe you didn’t even know you wanted a hunting dog back then. And now you’re looking at your dog thinking, “Did I miss my chance?” Good news — it’s not too late. In this episode, Josh breaks down exactly where to be...

Creatures of Habit — Are Your Training Habits Helping or Hurting Your Dog? In this episode of the Cornerstone Gun Dog Academy Podcast, we explore a simple truth that shapes every training journey: both you and your dog are creatures of habit. After a memorable hunting experience — and a timely reminder from a CGA member — we dive into how unnoticed patterns can either accelerate progress or quietl...

Train a Hunt-Ready Retriever by Next Season (Start Now) If you’re listening as this episode drops in February 2026 , you’re in a prime window to build a hunt-ready retriever by next hunting season— as long as you start now and train with a plan. In this episode, we break down what “hunt-ready” actually means (hint: it’s not about age—it’s about skill level and consistency under real-world pressure...

When should you start training a duck dog? Most people think of dog training as a project — something you start, finish, and move on from. That mindset is exactly what causes problems later. In this episode, we break down why duck dog training is a lifelong journey , not a checklist, and why the best time to start is earlier than most people realize . You’ll learn: Why waiting to train “until late...

The first 24 hours with your new retriever are crucial. In this episode, Josh breaks down exactly what to expect on puppy pickup day, common mistakes to avoid, and simple steps to create a calm, confident start. From the car ride home to the first night in the crate, this guide makes day one easy—and sets the foundation for a great retriever. Links discussed in the episode... 👉 Link to Preparing...

Ever look at your young dog and wonder if you’re about to launch its hunting career… or accidentally set it back? In this episode, Josh pulls back the curtain on the honest truth behind “readiness”—the moments that shape a dog’s entire future, the mistakes that can quietly cripple potential, and the confidence that comes from doing it right. You’ll hear why the 10-month mark matters, what real ste...

In this episode of the Cornerstone Gundog Academy Podcast , Barton Ramsey dives into one of the most important—and often misunderstood—parts of raising a great retriever: puppy socialization . What does it really mean to socialize your pup? How do you set them up for success in those crucial first months? Barton unpacks the philosophy behind socialization, shares practical do’s and don’ts, and exp...

Does first pick really matter when choosing a puppy? In this episode of the Cornerstone Gundog Academy Podcast, Barton Ramsey dives into why focusing on the litter and parents matters far more than pick order. Backed by years of breeding, training, and research, you’ll learn what really sets you up for success. Read the Blog Referenced in This Episode by Clicking Here 👉 Subscribe for more weekly...

In this episode of the Cornerstone Gundog Academy Podcast , we revisit one of the most impactful lessons I’ve ever shared— the five things I learned while training my very first retriever . Originally written as an email and later expanded into a blog, these lessons have resonated with countless retriever owners. Now, I’m bringing them to the podcast—updated with new insights and bonus wisdom gath...

Is your dog at risk of overheating this summer? 🌡️ You head out for a hunt, a training session, or even just a walk — and suddenly your dog seems sluggish, panting hard, or worse. Overheating can happen quickly, and if you don’t know what to look for, it can be dangerous. In this episode of the Cornerstone Gundog Academy podcast, we dig into the warning signs of dog overheating, what to do if it h...

Is your dog ignoring you no matter what you try? You give a command, and they look away, wander off, or act like they’ve never heard you. In this episode of the Cornerstone Gundog Academy podcast, we dig into why your dog won’t listen—and how you can fix it starting today. You’ll learn: The real reasons dogs ignore commands (it’s not always disobedience) 4 scientifically proven ways you can influe...

Retriever training costs have become one of the most confusing and misleading aspects of owning a hunting dog. Drawing from years of experience and hard-learned lessons, this episode cuts through the noise to reveal what you'll actually pay for various levels of retriever training in 2025. What standard are you actually training to? What expectations do you have for your hunting companion? Yo...

Ever found yourself wondering what your retriever is trying to tell you? That moment when training suddenly goes sideways and you can't figure out why? The answer lies in understanding your dog's engagement level—a fundamental skill that transforms good handlers into great ones. This deep dive into "reading your dog" strips away the complexity and focuses on what truly matters:...

Steadiness might be the most underrated quality in a hunting retriever. It's also the most misunderstood. Rather than simply sitting still during retrieves, true steadiness represents something far more profound: a dog that trusts you enough to override its own powerful instincts. Ever watched another hunter's dog break on birds while yours sits calmly at your side? That magical moment i...

Welcome to the first episode of the Cornerstone Gundog Academy podcast, where we provide valuable tips and insights for your retriever training journey. This shorter-format podcast aims to deliver concrete, trustworthy advice in 20-30 minute episodes to help you overcome training challenges and develop a retriever you can be proud of. • Cornerstone Gundog Academy was founded in 2016 to provide a c...