This is the official Cornerstone Gundog Academy podcast. At Cornerstone Gundog Academy, we believe every retriever owner deserves to be able to confidently train their dog and have a dog that makes them proud.
Fireworks, Gunfire, and Gun-Shy Dogs: How to Protect Your Retriever This Fourth
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 to protect your dog’s confidence. You’ll learn the biggest mistake to avoid if your dog gets scare...
10 Mar 2026
Duck Season Is Over… Now Fix These 3 Retriever Mistakes (Part 2)
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 the whistle, taking poor lines to a bird, or struggling on difficult marks. These are the kinds o...
3 Mar 2026
Duck Season Is Over… Now Fix These 3 Retriever Mistakes (Part 1)
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 showed you something. Maybe it was breaking when the guns went off. Maybe delivery got loose late...
24 Feb 2026
Did I Ruin My Dog? Where to Begin Training an Older Retriever
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 begin when training an older dog. Not based on age, but based on skill level. You’ll learn how to e...
10 Feb 2026
Creatures of Habit- Get Unstuck By Thinking Outside The Box
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 quietly hold you back. You’ll learn how to evaluate your training approach, recognize when frustration ...
4 Feb 2026
Train a Hunt Ready Retriever By This Hunting Season
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). You’ll learn the foundational skills your dog must have before stepping into the blind, why rush...
22 Jan 2026
When Should You Start Training a Duck Dog? (Earlier Than You Think)
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 later” quietly creates bad habitsThe ideal age to start training — and what to do if your dog is alread...
6 Dec 2025
Puppy Pickup Protocol: Your First 24 Hours Made Easy
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 For Your New Puppy Blog 👉Link to Retriever Puppy Page Full of Great Tips and Blogs ✅ Subscribe for...
24 Nov 2025
How Old Should My Dog Be For The First Hunt?
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 steadiness looks like, and how the four stages of learning can turn hesitation into certainty. If yo...
18 Sept 2025
Puppy Socialization: What Do I Need to Teach My Pup?
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 explains why shaping your puppy’s worldview early on makes all the difference. You’ll learn: Why socia...
11 Sept 2025
Does First Pick Matter? The Truth About Choosing Puppies
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 retriever training tips and proven methods from Cornerstone Gundog Academy — your guide to trainin...
4 Sept 2025
5 Lessons I Learned Training My First Retriever
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 gathered from years of training, conversations, and community feedback. You’ll discover: What the hardes...
1 Sept 2025
Introducing Retriever School: Fall in Love With Training Your Dog and Train With Confidence
In this episode of the Cornerstone Gundog Academy podcast, Barton Ramsey and Josh Parvin are introducing a new series called Retriever School. Retriever School is a 9-week video series that teaches struggling retriever owners how to turn things around step by step. It’s fun, easy to follow, and gets fantastic results for both the dog and the owner. Ready to join Retriever School? Click Here to Learn More! Want to learn how to train your hunting dog with confidence? Visit: Cornerstone G...
29 Aug 2025
Dog Overheating: Signs, What to Do, and How to Prevent It
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 happens, and how to prevent it in the first place. You’ll learn: The early signs and symptoms your...
28 Aug 2025
Why Your Dog Won’t Listen (And How to Fix It)
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 influence your dog’s behaviorThe breakthrough Cornerstone Gundog Protocol for when your dog “not interes...
22 Aug 2025
How Much Does Retriever Training Really Cost in 2025?
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? Your answers to these questions will determine not just how much you'll spend, but whether you'll be sat...
17 Aug 2025
How to "Read" Your Dog
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: recognizing when your retriever is mentally connected versus when they're checking out. Drawing from both scientifi...
9 Aug 2025
Steadiness is a Lifestyle
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 isn't just about obedience—it's about the bond you've built. As we approach early hunting season, now is th...
1 Aug 2025
Introducing The Cornerstone Gundog Academy Podcast
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 comprehensive digital training platform • Over 7,000 dog owners have successfully used our method...
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