Cornerstone Gundog Academy Official
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.Â
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
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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 you love your dog and want to give it the very best start in the f...
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 socialization isn’t just exposure—it’s about positive experiences.The key people, pl...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 training a hunting retriever you can be proud of!
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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 hardest part of owning a retriever is.How shifting your mindset can unlock breakthroughs when train...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.Â
Ready to join Retriever School? Click Here to Learn More!
Want to learn how to train your hunting dog with confidence?
Visit: Cornerstone Gundog Academy
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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 symptomsWhy 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 interested”How to shift from frustration to focus with simpl...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 satisfied with what you get. Before investing thousands in retriever training, make sure you understand exactly what you're paying...
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 scientific research and years of practical experience, we explore how specific body language signals—wide eyes, forward ears, high tail position, and...
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 the perfect time to develop this quality that transforms both safety and success in the field.
The po...
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 methods to develop great retrievers
• Our step-by-step courses eliminate confusion from contradictory training advice
• We believe anyone can train a great retriever with the righ...
