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Kristin Best - From Foundation to Field: Training, Whelping, and Building Better Retrievers
About this Episode
#55 Want a calmer, sharper, more reliable gun dog without guesswork or gimmicks? We sit down with Kristen Best of Best Retrievers to unpack a training approach that starts with relationship, not reflex. She maps the Five Love Languages onto dogs—praise, petting, treats, retrieves, and quality time—and shows how meeting a dog where they are unlocks focus, trust, and speed. If you’ve ever struggled with steadiness at the line, a “doer” who won’t think, or a pup who needs confidence, this conversation delivers practical steps you can use today.
We go deep on “formal fetch,” a humane, 50+ step protocol that builds true hold and fetch on the table before moving to the ground. Kristen explains why birds come last to protect positive associations, how minimal, precise pressure adds clarity only after understanding, and why timing a single “good” can beat any clicker you forgot in your pocket. You’ll hear how patience actually makes training faster by preventing the costly setbacks that happen when you rush. Real examples—from high-drive retrievers like Floyd to motion-loving upland dogs—illustrate how to tailor setups so the dog can think, perform, and enjoy the work.
Beyond the field, Kristen opens the doors to their whelping service and the BR Best Chance program, where the team pairs behavior-first breeding decisions with rescue training that transforms shelter dogs into great companions. We cover what to ask breeders (health clearances, titles, temperament), how to match puppies to real lifestyles, and why weekly client videos and transparent progress reports make owners better partners in the process. If you care about foundation, fairness, and results that last through hunt tests, SRS challenges, and wild-bird seasons, you’ll find a blueprint here that’s as kind as it is effective.
Enjoyed the conversation? Follow, rate, and share the show with a friend who trains or hunts with dogs. Subscribe to our email list at gundognation.com and join the community—then tell us: what’s your dog’s love language?
Gundog Nation is Proudly Sponsored by Waterstone Labradors.
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