Cornerstone Gundog Academy Official

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 thi

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 t

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 ma

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

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 sha

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 retrie

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 c

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

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 hone

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:

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 pa

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

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,

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 Cornersto

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,

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 li

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 ste

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-form