RE: black lab to old
No, it's not too old at all. Get a good book and/or video on training retrievers. If you want to use the lab for hunting upland birds like quail or pheasants get a book or video on training upland flushing dogs as well. Although labs are less sensitive than some dogs, it is wise to mostly make training fun until he is a year old. To have a steady dog you eventually need to insist that he do it right and do it when you tell him but too much of that, too early, can permanently take away some enthusiasm or even make a timid dog. He's just a pup (a kid) right now. He will probably take to finding anf flushing birds with great enthusiasm. If he doesn't you can get some pigeons and bind one wing. Release dog and pigeon in an enclosed area like a garage and encourage him to chase them. The dogs instincts will start kicking in and within 2 or 3 birds will generally be very enthusiastic about birds.
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