Training my lab...

Push2Shv · 11-23-2002, 09:30 AM

Well I have an 8 mo old lab pup, I need help with training him. I have always wanted to get into hunting with sporting dogs and this dog seems like he's just about smarter than I am, hehe. He's an incredible retriever. I have him trained to sit next to me then he runs out and grabs anything that is thrown/launched, he comes back runs around behind me sits at my side and then lets me take whatever it is with no hassle. He's been doing this since the first month I had him. He's got field and show champions in him pedigree and I feel that it'd be a terrible waste if I didn't use him for what the breed was bred for(and I want to get into hunting too). What is available out there to aid me in training him for hunting use?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Dan

titianhunter · 11-23-2002, 09:49 PM

Dan,
There lots of great books & Videos that will help You just have to adjust since the pup is 8 months old. Try Bill Tarrant he has seveal good books including "Hey Pup Fetch it Up" & Versitile Upland Hunting Dogs I'm not sure on that title but check out www.huntsamrt.com or www.lcs.com orwww.birddogsforever.com all of those sites have books & videos to help. You can also try finding a Club that has pro or semi pro trainers to help you, Check out your local sporting goods stores & ask if they know of any trainers or clubs, sportsmens shows & field trials are good places to find clubs & trainers. Also try game farms in your area they might be able to help start the pup. I hope this helps But read a little & get out & give him a try he might surprize you

There is NO such thing as a bad day HUNTING
Good Luck & Good Hunting
Dan

gbogy · 11-26-2002, 06:57 AM

There are also some good gun dog clubs with people that are more than willing to help. Depending on your location there may be a club near you. Check out the "Hunting Retriever Club" site: www.huntingretriever.org
www.huntingretriever.org/clubinfo.htm

On the slight chance you are in north Texas, check out www.BigDHRC.com

Good luck.

Buck_Buster · 12-11-2002, 02:30 PM

I use the Dokken Dead Fowl trainers with some scent injected into them.
The best thing to use is the real thing though.
You can tie wings to dummies to make them more lifelike.

But your best bet is to go hunting and use real birds before you clean them.

OhioDuckHunter · 12-15-2002, 09:15 PM

Try the NAHRA, the are specialists in retrievers. I think the www is www.nahra.org

Deleted User · 12-17-2002, 07:18 PM

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caveman22 · 12-18-2002, 06:46 AM

Bo D's right......Water Dog is great......the video helped a lot as well........the only thing is it did not go into e-collars. I found that the e-collar on very low stimuli was a must to back up my voice, hand and whistle commands.....but thats just my thought on it. Try the below website....I think it helped just as much if not more....good luck

www.dobbsdogs.com/library/retrievers/index.html

OhioDuckHunter · 12-18-2002, 09:01 PM

caveman is right, the Dobb's have some good videos. I have 2 of them. But there is only so much you can learn from reading and from videos.

My pup really started to improve when I spent the EXTRA time with her. For me, I joined a club (for training hunting dogs) and that was the biggest progression.

There are always people willing to help, just ask them.

Good luck.