Ryan,

I don't have a website but will help if you can't find them. Start a thread and someone should chime in.

You are getting some advice here in regards to the difficulty in training a Chessie. Rightly so, they can be difficult, but well worth the extra patience and time. Many pros will not train a chessie because they are so strong willed at times. The only tip I can offer is to gain the dogs respect. After that he/she will want your respect and do what is appropriate to gain it. They are usually one person dog's and not apt to listen to your buddies, not a bad characteristic IMO but something to consider. Their heritage comes from a long ago profession that was solitary by nature, Market Gunners. This is also why they can be construed as fiercley protective of their owners belongings, be it your gun, boat, cat, family, etc. They were initially bred to retrieve waterfowl and then protect the wares at market while the gunner went portside to fetch the highest price. Their loyalty is unsurpassed IMO and they make a wonderful dog for the owner who takes the time to show them what he wants. When I first started Upland hunting with mine I kept her at heel with GSP in the field. It took all of 2 hours before she saw what they were doing and then she pointed/flash pointed/ stood game on her first cock bird. Sadly I put lead all around that bird with both barrels and he flew off to the next county. Anything of value in life comes through hard work. Handling a Chessie is no different. Pick up a copy of the Complete Chesapeake Bay Retiever befor you ever buy your pup. There are two editions but I think the only one still in print is by Dr. Janet Horn.

Gary,
Hopefully I will receive the Spring edition in a short time. I can't go hunting as I am waiting for my wife to have our second son. But Susie and I will expect a full report from you and Cinnamon and Sage. Try not to let us down. Sounds like Adam flew quite a few last weekend. Are you going to the trials in SW Ohio?