Breeding, Raising & Training Field Golden Retrievers - Field Goldens

Golden retrievers aren’t all the same. What makes a field-bred golden retriever different from a show line golden? How does a dog learn to make a blind retrieve? And what does it really take to train, hunt, compete with, and responsibly breed these remarkable working dogs? In this episode of *What’s Been On Your Mind?*, John sits down with Rich Barnett to explore the fascinating world of *field golden retrievers, hunting dogs, retriever training, hunt tests, field trials, and ethical breeding*. Rich and his wife Diane have built their lives around golden retrievers, hunting, training, and competition. Rich explains how field goldens differ from conformation/show goldens—and why their intelligence, stamina, drive, and incredible noses make them such capable working dogs. You'll discover: • Why field-bred golden retrievers look and perform differently from show-line goldens • How retriever training can begin as early as 12–15 weeks • What a blind retrieve is and why it requires memory, precision, and skilled handling • The difference between AKC hunt tests and field trials • How golden retrievers are used in hunting, obedience, scent work, therapy, search and rescue, and cadaver detection • What responsible golden retriever breeding really involves • Why health clearances and pedigree selection matter • The surprising costs involved in breeding, including artificial insemination, C-sections, and raising puppies • The Morris Animal Foundation’s Lifetime Golden Retriever Study • The importance of mentors in developing successful retrievers and trainers • Why Wisconsin has become an important area for retriever training Whether you're a *golden retriever owner, dog lover, bird hunter, retriever trainer, breeder, or simply fascinated by what highly trained dogs can do*, there's plenty to learn in this conversation. This isn't just a story about beautiful dogs. It's a look inside the intelligence, training, discipline, genetics, and dedication behind a truly exceptional working retriever. What’s Been On Your Mind? Subscribe for more conversations with interesting people, unexpected stories, and ideas worth thinking about. And tell us in the comments: "What’s been on YOUR mind?" www.RedMarkRetrievers.com www.Facebook.com/RedmarkRetrievers www.WhatsBeenOnYourMind.com #GoldenRetriever #FieldGoldenRetriever #DogTraining #RetrieverTraining #HuntingDogs #RichBarnett, #JohnWelsh #WhatsBeenOnYourMind #WelshStudios #RedmarkRetrievers #fieldgoldens #fieldbredgoldenretriever #goldenretrievertraining #goldenretrieverhunting #goldenretrieverhunttest #goldenretrieverfieldtrial #retrievertraining #birddogtraining #huntingdogsblindretrieve #AKC #AKCHnttest #workinggoldenretriever