Originally Posted by Mickey Finn

This pup should be very trainable and versatile. Many hunters are using mixed breeds to get a dog better suited for their needs. So, you should be confident that your dog can be useful.


The one poster recommended neutering. This is not good advice for a young dog. (Questionable advice for one over two years of age.) But if you really want this done you should wait until the dog has grown.


The best advice is pick a training program you like and stick with it. Play retrieving can have it's place at that age. But when the serious training begins play time has to be over. As soon as the weather permits start working on water love. The pup may already love the water but there can hardly be too much.


Like the second poster said steady in the blind is one of the best skills a retriever can have. It is also something you can work on at any time. Having the pup lie quietly at your feet while you watch the news or surf the web is time well spent.

Another issue to address is introduction to the gun. Many ways to do this but the basic idea is start small and from a distance and gradually move closer and bigger. Having something to distract the pup like a bunny to chase is a good idea. Another one is to enter it with a proven stable dog. This way the pup sees that neither you or the other dog is concerned about the noise. Be sure you don't flinch when the guns goes off. lol


Good luck and put a few pic's up when you get a chance.