Hogan - My 9 mo old BLMM (Black Lab Male Mutt) is doing well in his training. He's solid on OB, has more drive than I know what to do with, and is basicly a retrieving machine. He is almost done with FF. I plan on hunting him in uplands as well as for ducks. I get some funny looks at training days, but hey, who cares if he gets me the birds. Good training is key. Try and hook up with a club in your area and find a good book ( I like "10 Minute Retriever" but someone may have a book geared more toward upland hunting), and stick to it's program. Gus's mom was pure lab, and dad was half lab, half pit bull, and half great dane. I figure with him in the feild, if I wing a bird, it will see this 26 inch high 80 lb monster coming at the and die from fright!