...before we get a new hunting retreiver puppy?

We have 2 ten year olds right now...one is a black lab, the other is a coonhound/mutt mix. They weren't trained to be hunting dogs because I didn't hunt birds at the time (I have yet to see a dog retrieve a black or brown bear!!!).

Anyhow...we are now into duck hunting, as well as ptarmagin and rabbit. We would really like to have our own hunting dog, but are unsure if we should wait until these two old girls die, or if it would be ok to get a new pup while they are still around?

Suggestions and comments are GREATLY welcomed!

Thanks so much for the help.

A good hunting dog is a great asset to a bird hunter.

I have 2 Labs. A good old girl who thinks she is a lap dog and is scared of her own shadow, and my pup.

The pup is 13 months old. You may have seen my post asking for help on this board. I suggest that if you are thinking of getting a pup, research the breeds and breeders very well. The breeder whom I got the pup from told me that "you are not getting a dog, you are getting a Ferrari". He could not have been more descriptive. My pup runs on high octane and NEVER runs out of gas! She is starting to calm a little, but very slowly. I would reconsider the breeder now that I know what he meant.

I will always continue to recommend a hunting companion as you will never find the number of uplands without one. Just know what you are buying.

Good Luck with the Duck!