EODLT pretty much said it, My lab 7 Months old is ready or was when I left 2 months ago ( and my daughter has been helping since). and I have a couple hunts set up. a Pheasant and duck hunt to see how he does, and where I need to go with him on training. But you have to or need to start with dissapline, will your dog sit, stay, and do all that and not break until you give whatever command you use? then apply that with the retrieving and gun fire, the dog will catch on but it will take dedicated time on your part. There are a couple book byRichard Wolters that can help you. I used his book the water dog.