Josh welcomes back Steve Strongman to recap a full Saskatchewan waterfowl season from the outfitter’s perspective. From managing dogs in the blind to building a new lodge and running an all-inclusive operation, this episode offers a real look at what it takes to hunt — and operate — at a high level in Canada.

Want to book with Steve and get an all-inclusive hunting experience in Canada?

Message him @thewaterfowldispatchers

Want to learn how to train your hunting dog with confidence?

Visit: Cornerstone Gundog Academy

Need gear for training your retriever, like collars, dog training dummies, and more?

Visit: Retriever Training Supply

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What does it take to build a duck dog that other hunters respect?

CGA member Shawn Dry joins Josh to share the real journey of training his own retriever—from first obedience reps to calm, steady work in the blind. They talk about “place,” early hunts done the right way, handling and casting, managing breaking around other dogs, and why consistency outside of training matters just as much as the sessions themselves.

It’s a story about earning trust, building a true partnership, and reaching the moment every handler hopes for—when someone in the blind says, “Bring that dog back.”

Want to learn how to train your hunting dog with confidence?

Visit: Cornerstone Gundog Academy

Need gear for training your retriever, like collars, dog training dummies, and more?

Visit: Retriever Training Supply

Interested in sponsoring the BuildFromHere Podcast?

Fill out this form and tell us more about promoting your product, service, or brand.

When Cody Lloyd brought home his first retriever, he did what most of us do — pieced together training from YouTube, books, and whatever he could find online. He ended up with a “good enough” gun dog… but not the steady, reliable partner he knew was possible.

In this episode, Cody shares how he went from feeling stuck with a 2–3 year–old dog to building the once-in-a-lifetime hunting partner he’d always dreamed of — without sending Bo off to a pro trainer. You’ll hear about generational hunting roots, the chaos of a pit blind with a breaking dog, the duck no one could find, and the one-whistle cast that changed everything.

We also dive into why he restarted with Cornerstone’s 52+ from day one, how the community helped him solve specific problems (like picking up giant honkers), and why it’s not too late if you feel behind with your dog.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Can my dog really get to that next level?” this conversation will fire you up and give you hope.

Want to learn how to train your hunting dog with confidence?

Visit: Cornerstone Gundog Academy

Need gear for training your retriever, like collars, dog training dummies, and more?

Visit: Retriever Training Supply

Interested in sponsoring the BuildFromHere Podcast?

Fill out this form and tell us more about promoting your product, service, or brand.

From the very beginning of Cornerstone, Chad Duckworth has been part of the CGA family. In this episode, Chad shares one of the most powerful DIY retriever journeys we’ve ever featured—starting with his first dog, Moose, who was once labeled “not cut out” for gun-dog work after a rough pro-training experience. But instead of giving up, Chad rolled up his sleeves, trusted the process, and trained Moose himself through CGA—turning that dog into a steady, reliable hunting partner who accompanied him on countless incredible days in the field.

Chad opens up about the highs, the heartbreak, and the unforgettable final hunt Moose made by his side. He then walks us through the new chapter with his pup, Winnie—a young, driven retriever whose journey has been built slowly, intentionally, and the right way. From foundational obedience to first hunts, swan retrieves, road trips, chapter meetups, and the lessons learned between dogs one and two… this episode is packed with wisdom for any handler who wants to build something special with their dog.

Whether you’re just starting out, rebuilding a dog, or navigating the roller coaster of training your first retriever, Chad’s story will remind you why the journey matters, why patience pays off, and why doing it yourself creates a bond unlike anything else.

Want to learn how to train your hunting dog with confidence?

Visit: Cornerstone Gundog Academy

Need gear for training your retriever, like collars, dog training dummies, and more?

Visit: Retriever Training Supply

Interested in sponsoring the BuildFromHere Podcast?

Fill out this form and tell us more about promoting your product, service, or brand.

Chad Batton’s story is one every handler can relate to: starting with doubt, feeling the pressure to “get it right,” and hoping to do justice to a well-bred dog. What began with a fear of failure quickly turned into a deep passion for training, community, and the entire retriever lifestyle. In this episode, Chad shares how Cornerstone Gundog Academy helped him build confidence, overcome defining moments like fetch-hold-release, and eventually discover the joy of training multiple dogs. His journey is honest, encouraging, and packed with insight for anyone on the path of building their first retriever.

Want to learn how to train your hunting dog with confidence?

Visit: Cornerstone Gundog Academy

Need gear for training your retriever, like collars, dog training dummies, and more?

Visit: Retriever Training Supply

Interested in sponsoring the BuildFromHere Podcast?

Fill out this form and tell us more about promoting your product, service, or brand.

Want to check out Chad Batton's Kennel for training and puppies?

Find him at: @dogwoodretrievers on Instagram!

Josh sits down with longtime CGA member and founding supporter Marshall Anliker to talk hunting, dogs, and the power of community. Marshall shares how a blizzard goose hunt with his great-grandfather lit the fire for waterfowling, how that led him to British Labradors and Southern Oak Kennels, and why Cornerstone has been part of his last three dogs.

From college days stacking classes around duck hunts to running a roofing company and training high-drive British Labs at a high level, Marshall opens up about genetics, discipline, reward timing, and what it really means to “train the dog in front of you.” If you’re serious about building a steady, family-friendly hunting companion and you love hearing real stories from real CGA members, this episode is for you.

Want to learn how to train your hunting dog with confidence?

Visit: Cornerstone Gundog Academy

Need gear for training your retriever, like collars, dog training dummies, and more?

Visit: Retriever Training Supply

Interested in sponsoring the BuildFromHere Podcast?

Fill out this form and tell us more about promoting your product, service, or brand.

In this episode of the BuildFromHere Podcast, Josh talks with CGA Member Blake Allen. This episode covers Blake's journey from early failure to Grand title. Blake Allen explains how Cornerstone Gundog Academy helped him build a rock-solid foundation with Rose that enabled him to go on and turn his initial failure into success. In this episode you will learn practical, foundation-first tips for steadiness, calm handling, and consistent progress—whether you’re hunting or running tests.

Want to learn how to train your hunting dog with confidence?

Visit: Cornerstone Gundog Academy

Need gear for training your retriever, like collars, dog training dummies, and more?

Visit: Retriever Training Supply

Interested in sponsoring the BuildFromHere Podcast?

Fill out this form and tell us more about promoting your product, service, or brand.

In this episode of Build From Here, Joshua Parvin talks with CGA member Russ Freehling about a lifetime of waterfowling, finishing the 41-species North American quest, and the rewards of training his own retriever—from backyard drills to seasoning a pup on real hunts. Tune in for practical training tips, creative urban adaptations, and the joy of building a true hunting partnership.

Want to learn how to train your hunting dog with confidence?

Visit: Cornerstone Gundog Academy

Need gear for training your retriever, like collars, dog training dummies, and more?

Visit: Retriever Training Supply

Interested in sponsoring the BuildFromHere Podcast?

Fill out this form and tell us more about promoting your product, service, or brand.

Want to learn more about the Ultimate Waterfowl Challenge?

Visit the website here: https://waterfowlerschallenge.com/