Build From Here Podcast

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 by outdoor pursuits to his pivotal moment witnessing a trained retriever at work in Arkansas. That experience changed everything, setting him on a path that would eventually lead to Cornerstone Gundog Academy. Through candid stories of both struggle and triumph, Seth reveals how patience during fetch-hold-release training created the foundation for Rusty's later success, and how discovering his dog's response to verbal praise unlocked new levels of confidence and drive.

The conversation shifts from technical training insights to profound life lessons when Seth shares how dog training became his sanctuary during an exceptionally challenging 2023. Facing critical incidents as a police officer and his wife's serious car crash, Seth found clarity and restoration in those quiet moments working with Rusty. "Go train your dog" became more than adviceit became divine guidance that helped him navigate life's storms.

With hunting stories that showcase Rusty's impressive abilities (including diving completely underwater for a duck and marking a teal at 75 yards), Seth demonstrates how solid training translates to real-world results. But perhaps the most valuable takeaway comes in his parting wisdom: "There's really only one thing that you can controlhow much effort you put into it." In retriever training as in life, simply showing up consistently is the foundation of success.

Ready to transform your relationship with your retriever while discovering unexpected lessons about patience, faith, and perseverance? This episode will inspire you to trust the process and train with your heart, not just your hands.

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 admired the incredible work of retrievers in the field. When the opportunity arose to get a dog of his own, he chose the compact yet energetic Boykin Spaniel breed and committed to training him personally using Cornerstone Gundog Academy's Complete Retriever course. Despite having no previous retriever training experience, James and his wife tackled each lesson as a team, videoing sessions to identify areas for improvement and holding each other accountable.

The challenges were substantial – sweltering Louisiana heat that required creative solutions like training tents with fans, the need to modify standard hand signals for a smaller dog, and James's natural impatience being tested at every turn. Yet through consistency and focus on finding ways for their dog to win, they gradually built an incredible bond with Benelli. Their efforts culminated in a remarkable first hunting experience, where their young dog completed a challenging blind retrieve in foggy conditions that seemed impossible for a novice.

Beyond the hunting skills, James shares how the training process became a lifeline during personal struggles, providing structure and purpose when he and his wife faced two miscarriages. Now expecting their first child, they've witnessed how Benelli has become increasingly protective of his pregnant "mom." James's perspective on dog training transcends mere obedience – it becomes a mirror reflecting our own character, teaching us patience, resilience, and emotional intelligence in ways we never expected.

Ready to transform your relationship with your retriever? Visit cornerstonegundogacademy.com to learn how you can build an exceptional bond through structured training that brings out the best in both you and your dog.

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 train a dog and form a partnership in the field.

Listeners will appreciate Kevin’s candid reflections on his training process, his initial struggles, and how Cornerstone Gundog Academy offered the guidance and support he needed. Kevin emphasizes the significant role of foundational work and the value of community, offering practical tips on how aspiring trainers can navigate their own journeys.

The excitement builds as Kevin recounts memorable moments from hunting season including Mabel’s impressive retrieves, showcasing her transformation into a competent hunting companion. His advice resonates deeply, reminding all dog owners that patience is key, and that the struggles faced during training are part of an invaluable learning experience. 

Ready to step into your own journey with a hunting dog? Subscribe today and join us in the pursuit of creating strong, meaningful connections with our dogs in the world of hunting!