A good age to start training is right now! Train the pup to love you and want to please you. Just kiding. I have a 15 month old Lab from high energy breeding. I tried the approach of Richard Walters, Water Dog etc., and found that with my pup being my first dog as far as training to hunt, I do not have the time Mr. Walters must have had. He has very good advice in a lot of areas. I have found for me that reading a lot of different books and watching a lot of videos (both available at your public library for free) and being selective as to what my dog responed to that worked best for me. My opinion is that unless you are a professional trainer, take all the advice you can get and only use what works for you and your pup. Good luck and remember 2 things... your pup/dog NEEDS your love and the better the bond between you and Fido, the more the dog will strive to please you.