The Lab

#018 What if the key to unlocking your hunting dog's full potential lies in understanding its origins? Join us as we explore the fascinating contrasts between American and British Labradors with Barton Ramsey and Chris Rud. We'll unveil the historical context and practical considerations that can guide you in choosing the perfect Labrador for hunting, family life, or competitive trials. Expect laughs and learning as we share personal stories, including encounters with notable breeders and fam...

#016 What if you could transform your passion for dogs into a rewarding career? Join us as Bob Owens of Lone Duck takes us on his inspiring journey from doodling dogs to becoming a leading figure in the world of gundog training. Bob shares how a childhood fascination, influenced by Ducks Unlimited's Water Dog TV, evolved into a thriving business encompassing training, breeding, and podcasting. His story is a testament to following one’s passions and the unspoken bond between humans and their ...

#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, eve...

#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 I....

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 juggl...

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 the...

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 th...

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 a...