18 month old golden

[hickman1698]

I was recently offered an 18 month old Golden pup that is fixed and all because the owner is moving or some poor excuse. Is is worth the effort or even possible to make him a gun dog. I do not want to see the dog wasted or put into a poor situation but I want my next dog to be a gun dog. I have a dilema. Please give me some input. I appreciate it very much.

[Keown]

I had an identical situation 10 years ago. A good friend of mine told me to take the dog out and bang trashcan lids or better yet take her out and shoot over her with a 410. If she retreats or cowers then it will take almost as long to train her as she is old. I did this and she came to immediate attention and wanted to know what I had shot and where was it. Best deal on a dog I ever had. This dog had been bred for field and not the show which helped also. If you want a dog that will hunt then you should test a little first

[BillDeLuc]

I know several people with goldens who are exellent gun dogs, one of whom wasn't started until he was over a year old. Goldies are rambunxios though!