I adopted a Lab/Rotty mix from animal control that my wife fell in love with and when walking him the other day he picked up a scent and we most have followed the thing for about ten minutes and sure enough there was a rabbit on the other end. He has done this several times now which leads me to believe he may have a nack for this. I was wondering if he would make a good gun dog for birds or even rabbits? I have started teaching him basic commands but he is somewhat selective of when he wants to listen. He is about a year old according to the vet. Any suggestions on getting him to listen all the time and start working on tracking? I've never trained a dog before and can't afford classes so any help would be greatly appriciated. Thanks guys.

There are alot of differing methods of dog training. Know that your dog is still very much a pup so it won't listen for awhile unless in a control environment. Socializing, getting it use to you, showing Alpha status to it should be your primary concerns. It's a pup so be patient. But here is one method you can do.

Here is one by the Smith's. Get a simple whistle. A silent if you perfer but I don't like them as you can't hear how many times your blowing. Simple but blowing too fast and it sounds like a one continuous blow. Anyhow, when you feed the dog blow the whistle or two, your peference. Do it enough times, the dog makes the association. Also, do the the ball and check cord thing. Throw the ball, call him to you when he picks up the ball (at this point blow the whistle also), if he doesn't come pull him to you.

Remember, only one member should initially train him. It takes alot of patience and repetition. Spend 10-15 mins a day and don't give up until he does what you want him to do.