Greetings Everyone!

After a lenghty look at our finances (we just purchased a newer home this summer and adopted our son 2 yrs ago) I can finally purchase a hunting companion of my own next summer,with of course certain requirements ( must be good with children, house-broken, and not a puppy)as made by my loving and understanding wife...

I'm thinking of getting a lab (preferably pointing) that is already started. Since I want a dog that is able to handle pheasants as well as a waterfowl. I have did a little research on the web regarding started dogs and even found a trainer or two that are close by to my location that have/will have started dogs for sale. A new puppy is out of the question. Although I will have time for a dog, I really doubt that have time needed to proper train a puppy, that and I doubt my training abilities.

I am curious though if anyone else has had a started dog before? What do you think of started dogs-are they worth it? Is there anything I should know or make sure the trainer has done with the dog before I get one? What questions should I pose to the trainer? Any trainer/breeder referrals for SE Minnesota? What should I expect or not expect with a started dog? If not to intrusive, can I ask what did you pay for your started dog?

Sorry for all the questions, I just like to be really informed before I make a major commitment like this. Any thoughts or opinions would be greatly appreciated...

Thanks in advance for all the help

Eric Christians
SE Minnesota