Hi guys, I have wanted to start hunting for awhile now and i'm looking to get started. I bought a yellow lab with the intent of training him for birds so we started traing very young and he was an AWESOME retriever from the get go. But i was quickly discouraged because at about6 months he developed a limp after running. The vet thought it was a torn cruciate(sp?) But he is now 15months old and no limping!! So i bought a canvas bumper, "pheasant scent" and a whistle.(it's was a kit) He just LOOOOOVES fetching up the bumper. But i'm just wondering if he is to old to learn birds since he has never been around them. And also what are some good information sites on helping with commands. sorry for being so long winded guys...

Definitely not too old to get on birds. If you're an amateur (newbie) trainer, I'd suggest the book called "10 Minute Retriever" bu John and Amy Dahl. (follow it page by page -- chapter by chapter).



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There are a lot of good books about training available. I'd suggest reading them all. Your dog is definately not too old to learn. You're in for a good time. Enjoy the training, and try to learn as much from your dog as he will from you. Hunting with a dog is a partnership, and you're expected to do your part to. Some times your part is just being patient with the dog.

The most important part of your training is gun breaking. Do it slowly. Make sure your dog is broke properly. If your dog is gun shy it won't hunt, and if it doesn't hunt it can't learn or improve.

Good Luck and have fun