Good Morals and Genuine People

Written By: Zach Miller

"In a world driven by materialistic pursuits and the constant chase for sponsors and brands, limit pictures and ribbons filling rooms, I find solace in a different path. As a professional gundog trainer, a combat infantryman and a lifelong hunter/outdoorsman, my focus lies not in the glitz and glamor of endorsements, but in the pursuit of good morals, genuine humans, and meaningful experiences. For me, gundog training is not just a profession; it is what keeps me six feet above ground."

In a society where success is often measured by the number of followers or reviews or the size of one's bank account, it is easy to lose touch with the true essence of why we do what we do. Social media has become a double-edged sword, offering us a platform to showcase our skills and achievements, but also tempting us to prioritize popularity over purpose. Ah, but amidst this chaos, I have chosen a different path. I among others have chosen to focus on the core values that make me who I am. As a result of this, it has made me push many people away and recluse some but I have chosen to chase good morals, genuine people, and experiences that make life worth living. In doing so, I have discovered a profound sense of fulfillment that no amount of money or fame could ever provide.

I always try to take calm moments for myself and think about what separates me from other trainers… this is tough to do sometimes. Where my mind always goes is that I want to be the professional who always responds to individuals when they call or message me. In the Army, we used to say the good leaders were the ones who would stand up for their guys and not be afraid to lose rank over it. I’ve had so many people thank me for just answering them after so many have not. I swear I find myself in a vicious cycle of getting burned by humanity and doing my best to restore it where I can… a glutton for punishment I suppose. However, if it means I find one good person out of 100, well I guess that makes it worth it, doesn’t it?

I’ve come to terms with the fact that I’ll never have the extravagant grounds filled with massive technical water or a room filled with ribbons or sponsors. I can show endless screenshots of how many brands have turned me away or left me on read when it came to helping the retriever community. Quite frankly, I throw those ribbons out, it gets into your head too much and you stop being humble. Some may not like that but that’s life sometimes. What this has given me, is the outlook on what is right vs wrong and that time is more important than money or power or likes on a post.

Dog training in this (retriever) community is not just about teaching a dog to sit, stay, or retrieve. It is about building a bond, a connection that transcends words. It is about understanding the unique personality of each dog and tailoring my training methods to suit their individual needs. It is about patience, compassion, and unwavering dedication. Unfortunately, many brands and many trainers have fallen short of remembering this. When I see a dog and their owner working together in perfect harmony, it fills my heart with an indescribable warmth. When I see a person choosing to be alone at the edge of some water with a gundog by their side, I let that setting live. That picture I just described speaks more to me than any, because it means they are in peace and they’re right where they should be. 

I refuse to succumb to this temptation that I’ve briefly touched on. I refuse to let the noise of social media drown out the beating of my heart for why I’ve come to call this my life. For me, dog training is not about gaining popularity or accumulating wealth; and it never has or will be. It’s about making a difference in the lives of both dogs and their owners. It is about fostering a deep connection, built on trust, respect, and unwavering loyalty. I’m here for the individuals who also feel this way. I’m here for the people who can’t afford a 30 dollar bumper but will have the best dog for them. I’m here for the people who would give you the shirt off their back but don’t know if they can make their truck payment.

The kicker here is, no one is talking about this, because no one wants to talk about this, but it needs to be put on paper. So, I choose to chase good morals and genuine people. I choose to surround myself with those who share my passion and understand the true essence of dog training and what it means to be a good human. I choose to seek experiences that touch my soul and leave a lasting impact, rather than fleeting moments of fame. For it’s in these moments that I find true fulfillment, and it is in these moments that I know...

I am living my purpose.