From Puppy to Hunter Retriever Champion: Marty Haynes' Journey with Koda and Bear

How do you take that adorable puppy you brought home and train him to become a Hunter Retriever Champion? How do you ensure your dog is both a joy at home and a powerhouse in the field?

It takes dedication, commitment, consistency, and a solid plan to develop a dog that reaches his full potential.

Marty Haynes, a CGA Founding Member and Ambassador, has achieved just that. He’s trained his two incredible retrievers, Koda and Bear, to be not only obedient members of his family but also exceptional retrievers in the field. At 7 years old, Koda is breathtaking to watch, displaying his steadiness, drive, and excellence. Bear, at 5 years old, has reached the prestigious status of Hunter Retriever Champion.

Using Cornerstone Gundog Academy’s (CGA) training program, Marty has taken both dogs from their first days at home to becoming finished-level retrievers. He continues to maintain their training with the same dedication. As a valued member of our community, Marty exemplifies what it means to build a movement that believes every hunter can have a dog they are proud to take into the blind.

In a recent video, Marty takes us through one of his training sessions with Koda. Whether you’re just beginning to work on advanced skills or maintaining the skills your dog already knows, Marty’s insights offer valuable tips for trainers at all levels.

Marty’s Keys to Building and Maintaining Your Dog’s Training

1. Focus on Obedience First

   Marty emphasizes the importance of a strong obedience foundation. He ensures his dogs consistently demonstrate high levels of obedience, a practice that began with the early steps of CGA’s training program.

2. Build from Here

   Marty is a firm believer in CGA’s slogan, “Build From Here.” He explains:

   “What ‘Build From Here’ means to me is pretty simple. It’s just what it says. It allowed someone like me, an inexperienced trainer, to take two dogs from being puppies all the way to becoming finished gun dogs. It’s about building a retriever that I’m proud of—whether I’m out hunting, showing up at the CGA member’s weekend, or just training with some friends. Not only that, it built me into a confident dog handler and trainer along the way.”

3. Surround Yourself with a Supportive Community

   The power of a supportive community can’t be overstated. Marty shares:

   “One of the things I love most about CGA is all the friendships and relationships I’ve built along the way. If you’ve been on the fence about joining CGA, don’t stay there. Not only will you have a clear plan to train your dog from a puppy to a finished level, but you’ll also be part of an amazing network of people who are willing to help you every step of the way.”

Join Marty, Koda, and Bear on their journey and see firsthand the benefits of being part of the CGA community. Follow them on Facebook, and get the plan that gives you the confidence and community support to train your duck dog. Click here to get started and see Marty and Bear in action!