A chessie is a great dog, if you put the time in to train it. One thing you have to remember, be consistent, patient, and be more hard headed than the dog. I have a female that is 18 months. The first 5-6 months were easy, the next 6 were hell. I couldn't accomplish anything it seemed like. FF is helpful, but you have work it every day, and work it in good. If you don't it will all fall apart. My chessie is now almost everything I wanted her to be. Shes got a great nose for tracking upland birds, and is willing to bring ducks in out of freezing water and deliever to hand.

A labrador thinks humans are gods, a chessie thinks humans are their equal.

Oh ya, you might want to get a shock collar. My chessie tested me in every way possible and I had no choice but to get one. It's mostly just a safety in case they "forget" what they are supposed to do.