ProLitter - Can you tell us about Bayou Gundog, where you are located, how you got started and what inspired you to specialize in retriever training, particularly Golden Retrievers?
John – We’re Bayou Gundog, a retriever training business based in Knoxville, Arkansas where we focus on building reliable hunting partners and great family dogs, with a soft spot for Golden Retrievers.
Our journey started out of a love for hunting and the deep bond that forms between a retriever and their person.
What started off as a hobby for personal dogs eventually turned into a business. Luckily we have had a lot of success with our personal Goldens and client Goldens which has landed us an almost 100% field bred Golden Retriever client base.
ProLitter - What sets Golden Retrievers apart from other retriever breeds in the field and in hunt test scenarios?
Photo by: Jonathan Bradshaw
John – If you get the right lines, Goldens bring a mix of drive, brain, and heart… not to mention NOSE. It is called the “golden nose” for a reason and it has bailed me out on a difficult bird time and time again!
ProLitter - Can you walk us through your typical training progression—from a young pup to a seasoned hunting or hunt test dog?
Puppy Stage
We focus on socialization, building confidence, basic obedience (here, heel, sit, place, kennel), intro to birds, fun bumpers, and getting them comfortable new environments.
Basics
Now we add more formal training. Formal obedience, force fetch and collar conditioning, followed by drill work, learning to work as a team, developing blind work, stopping on a whistle, taking directional casts on both land and water. We also do a ton of single marked retrieves and marking drills at this stage.
Transition
This is where the dog really starts working like a hunting partner. We build doubles/triples, basic blinds, water work, honor drills, and hunt test setups. They’re learning to think and handle under control.
Finished Dog
Here’s your polished dog: sharp marking, crisp blinds, steady under distractions, and reliable in real hunt scenarios or hunt tests. Solid obedience and ready to hunt or compete.
ProLitter - What are the biggest challenges you face when training a retriever for both hunting and competition, and how do you overcome them?
Too much control too soon and you risk taking the fire out of them; too much freedom and they get sloppy or wild.
John – The biggest challenge is balancing control with drive. For both hunting and competition, you need a dog that’s steady, listens to you, and handles clean, but you don’t want to crush their natural go-get-it attitude in the process. Too much control too soon and you risk taking the fire out of them; too much freedom and they get sloppy or wild.
We overcome it by taking our time and reading the dog. Early on, we build tons of confidence and drive before layering in control. When we start formal obedience and handling work, we make sure the dog always understands what they are being asked to do and we keep training fun and upbeat, so they stay motivated.
ProLitter - What role does the relationship between handler and dog play in a successful hunt or test, and how do you help clients develop that bond?
John – A strong handler-dog bond builds trust, clear communication, and responsiveness, all crucial for a successful hunt or test. I help clients develop that rapport through consistent training, positive reinforcement, and encouraging regular, purposeful interaction with their dog.
ProLitter - Are there common mistakes you see amateur trainers or handlers make, and what advice would you give to help them improve?
Always end sessions on a positive note
John – Common mistakes include inconsistent commands, impatience, and overcorrecting the dog. My advice: be clear and consistent, reward progress, stay patient, and always end sessions on a positive note.
ProLitter - How do you prepare your dogs for the unpredictability of real hunting scenarios versus the more structured environment of a hunt test?
John – We expose dogs to new locations, varied terrains, changing conditions, and new scenarios to build adaptability and confidence, while reinforcing skills under distraction.
ProLitter - What accomplishments or success stories from your training program are you most proud of?
John – Putting a Hunting Retriever Champion title on a pudelpointer comes to mind, but it was easier than one would think.
What really makes me proud is fixing a dog washed out or started improperly by another trainer; It is hard to beat giving a dog a second chance at the job they were born and bred for.
ProLitter - What’s your vision for the future of Bayou Gundog, and how do you see the sport evolving in the coming years?
John – My vision includes anything that continues to improve the golden retriever from a breeding and training standpoint: expanding facilities, improving grounds, and growing our team members. We have been incredibly blessed with the clients and employees that we have. As far as evolving, I hope our sport evolves in a way that encourages growth… the more people and dogs, the longer we can keep playing!
ProLitter - How often do you take new clients, and how does someone become a client?
John – Currently we have a waiting list for roughly 6 months from now. Most of the new pups we are accepting come from our current/ previous clients or pups off of our personal and client breedings. Picking the right puppy from proven parents can exponentially improve your odds at meeting your goals. Anyone interested in finding the right golden retriever puppy for our training program can reach us through our Retriever Trainer page on Prolitter.