#015 Wally's seasoned insights combined with the tales of our dogs' progression from eager puppies to disciplined retrievers is a narrative that will captivate both the novice and the experienced handler. As we dissect the nuances of our training methods, you'll find yourself immersed in the complexity and dedication it takes to cultivate a gundog's potential. From the tailored approaches we employ to instill a strong water attitude to the "Wally Drill" that keeps the pups' tails wagging with...

#014 Ever wondered what it takes to turn a good gundog into a great one? Strap in for a journey through Cornerstone Gundog Academy's Member Weekend in Jasper, Alabama, where the synergy between handler and retriever takes center stage. As your guide, I'll recount the excitement and invaluable lessons from group obedience workouts to the mock hunts. We're talking precision drills for every skill level, from eager pups to those venerable retrievers that still show us the ropes—and trust me,...

#013 Spring's arrival always brings back memories of cool mornings turned warm, as my son Noah and I tread softly through the awakening woods, our retrievers eager at our heels. It's a time of transition, from the quiet end of waterfowl season to the lively beginnings of summer training, and no one embraces this change more than Noah. He reminds us that the hunt isn't always about the shot—it's about the joy in the journey and the dance of a job well done by our four-legged companions. Join...

#012 Join The Lab as Mississippi's own Kippy Kemp, an aficionado of dog training and field trials, brings his homespun wisdom to the mic. With stories as rich as the soil on his Brangus cattle farm, Kippy delves into the intricacies of raising champion retrievers and the community spirit found in places like Cornerstone Gundog Academy. As we swap tales of quail hunts and the changing landscapes of turkey and quail populations, you'll feel the nostalgia and passion that drive both Kippy and...

#011 Ever found yourself trying to perfect the sit-stay command while juggling a conference call and prepping dinner? You're not alone. I, Barton Ramsey, alongside my close pal Miles Durham from Southern Oak Kennels, get real about the tightrope walk of managing a demanding career, nurturing family life, and following our heart's call to dog training. Miles opens up about the hurdles and triumphs of training dogs as a side hustle while being a dedicated husband and father. We weave through...

Join us on a thrilling journey with our guest, Bill Free, a seasoned duck hunter, mayor of Duckville, USA, and chairman of a waterfowl festival. Throughout his many adventures, Bill has formed a close friendship with George H. Dunklin, JR, contributed to the scientific study of duck habitats, and built an admirable rapport with his stud dogs. This lively discussion will cover everything from hunting practices at the renowned Five Oaks Lodge to Bill's recent Italian escape and how he has...

Episode #009 What are British field trials like? What is it like hunting with dogs in the United Kingdom? In our latest episode, we sit down with Laura Hill of Stauntonvale Gundogs to discuss British field sports and training styles.  Laura is one of the most accomplished field trialers in the UK. She’s made up eight dogs to Field Trial Champion, a journey we discuss in-depth in this podcast.  As an A-Panel judge under the Kennel Club, Laura has a wealth of knowledge of the ins and outs of...

Episode #008 What if your fiercely independent but stubbornly aggressive canine companion could transform into a disciplined, well-behaved sidekick? This episode brings you face-to-face with Brady Foster, owner of K9 Gunner Tactical, as he unpacks his experiences in military service and how it shaped his approach to gun dog training. Listen as he shares the riveting journey of acquiring Waylon, his Labrador Retriever, and how this led him to the fascinating world of retriever trainers and...

Episode #007 Ever wondered how the world of outdoor adventure and entrepreneurship intersects? In our latest episode, I had the pleasure of having a heart-to-heart conversation with John David Blagg, co-founder of FowlCo Outfitters. We journeyed back to our first unexpected encounter and discussed how it influenced the dawn of FowlCo. We also touched on parenting practices, instilling a sense of curiosity and a bit of laughter within our conversation. John David unraveled his compelling...

Episode #006  Join us as my good friend Aaron Hitchins and I revisit memorable moments of our hunting journeys, the anticipation of new seasons, and the struggles with patience that come along with it. We opened up about our experiences with the weather extremes in Canada and the US, and shared tales from our first hunting trip together, where a muddy spring snow goose hunt became a story for the ages. Aaron’s mom’s story brings an unexpected twist to the narrative as she plunges into the...

#005 Picture the brisk San Jac River region where young John Dunaway embarks on his first duck hunt. That's where our journey begins, as we explore the deep-rooted history of hunting, painting vivid pictures of unique experiences such as an unforgettable trip to Oyster Bayou and recounting memories of a yellow lab named Nixon. We navigate through these tales and more, seeking to bring moments to life that have shaped the bond between man and dog. We venture into uncharted waters - the life...

Episode #004 What do you get when you mix life's unpredictability, a shared passion for gun dogs, and a sprinkle of humor? You get a riveting conversation between Clark Kennington and myself. We discuss the precision cleanliness required at a dog kennel, and draw parallels between navigating stormy weather and life's unexpected twists.  Immerse yourself in our world of dog training as we delve into the American dream that came true for me - rising from a novice to a successful trainer and...

Episode #003 Imagine traversing the stunning landscapes of New Zealand, from North to South, amidst the unpredictable weather and diverse cultural contrasts. My friend Geoff Irvine and I bring this experience to you, as we embark on a fascinating discussion about his homeland. We touch on the peculiarities of New Zealand's geography, the distinct hunting styles between the two islands, and the current weather patterns that are causing more rainfall than usual right in the middle of winter....

Episode #002 The journey into the outdoor industry has afforded me many life-changing friendships. One of those friends is the talented Josh Raggio of Raggio Custom Calls. In this episode, Josh and I cover everything from shallow social media shade to the depths of balancing running a business with raising children.  Josh Raggio has created a timeless brand with his custom duck calls. He explains where the beauty of each call comes from, which may be as surprising to you as it is to him! He...

Episode #001 When I first ventured into the world of dog training and hunting, I was fortunate to meet an incredible mentor, Mark Hairfield. Together, we reminisce about our humble beginnings, Mark's 42-year career in field trials with dogs, and our shared love for gun dogs and the great outdoors. Join us as Mark imparts his wisdom on what it takes to make a dog a field champion in the AKC and his ultimate goal of qualifying dogs for national events. We also explore the role of luck in field...

Welcome to The Lab, a podcast focused on Gundogs, Good Times, and the Great Outdoors. Join host Barton Ramsey as he interviews outdoorsmen who have excelled in a multitude of avenues involving gundog, hunting, and business endeavors. The Lab is produced by Cornerstone Gundog Academy - online resources to help you train your retriever. Visit https://www.cornerstonegundogacademy.com for more information.