We are the very proud owners of a new lab puppy. She is 14 weeks old and we have had her for the past 4 weeks. We are going ahead with the new commands such as good, no, sit, come, the basics. I am fully aware that she will not be ready for this seasons upland bird hunt. Is it possible for you experienced bird dog owners to share secrets and books with me to better train my pup for next year. We had to put down our 12 year old lab for cancer. He was never trained as a bird dog, but was a great family pet. As my 2 sons are now old enough to go out with me, a fourth partner would be of a valuable asset. Thanks in advance for all your help.

Alan D

There are many good books on training your new pup. Wolters has one entitled Water Dog and another Duck Dog they are both good books and there several others as well as videos available. Go to you local library and see what they have or if you have a Barnes and Noble book store they will either have the books on hand or will willingly order whatever you want. Good luck on your dog training and when you have an acomplished retriever you will be proud and rightfully so.

Any of George Hicox' s videos are a great starter tool.

By far, the best book for a 100% dandy meat dawg is " The 10 Minute Retriever" , by John and Amy Dahl. For a 100% fine and dandy meat dawg as well as a real competitor in Hunt Tests, get " Smartworks I and Smartworks II" by Evan Graham.