I have two chocolates that are just about 5 months. I have been working with them as much as I can, playing fetch and getting them to sit, have been working on heel. Charlie is getting it, buck does for a couple steps then tries to pull again. They sit on command just about everytime, they definately know what it means, they just get a little worked up when I am throwing the dummy for them.

I was doing water retrieves and it is about 50/50 on them actually coming to my feet with the bird...most of the time they walk to my left behind me, drop it and shake. If I say Bird, and point they will go pick it up and bring it to me.

Here is the deal though, I can only work with them 3 days out of the week because I am stuck in an apartment for another YEAR!!! The dogs are at my parents house 50 miles from my apartment. I can work with them all day saturday and sunday, and part of friday night if I get up early enough.
I am starting the come up every wednesday just to work with them. (I guess you could say 2 days, and 2 evenings.) I just started reading Water Dog, have watched the movie a couple times. But wanted the book anyways.
I just want to have them started and have them ready to work by October at least. I was just wondering if this will be enough time, and is there anything I should tell my parents not to do with them? as far as playing fetch and walking them or will that be fine if they know it is time for business when I put the leash on them?

I use a 6 foot leash and take them out individually. My parents take them both out at the same time on one of those leashes that goes out to like 15 feet or whatever it is.

Sorry for the long post, and kind of rambling, I just really want to work with these boys