My mother in law has a 6 mo old black lab / cocker spaniel mix. He's a beautiful dog. Loves the water and loves to explore the woods. I've never seen him point, but my son has seen him point a few times. He never ranges out of sight and is good at returning when called. Any hope for a bird dog in him? I'm an avid hunter but not really a bird hunter and have no experience with bird dogs. He might make a good duck dog but I'm not really into duck hunting. I'm far more likely to go grouse hunting. Thanks.

Try a wing , will it fetch or atleast show intrest .If it works close pointing is nice but a flusher will put more birds in the bag. Just introduce the dog slowly to gun fire a gun shy dog is no good. Every one has a little defferent way to do it ,my dog was introduced at the breeders. I hunted with a sheperd mix that was 6 before it ever smelled a bird ,it was a great bird dog. Show it all the love it can handle and enjoy .

Yes, introduce him to a wing. Also be extremely carefull getting him used to guns.

Thanks for the advice. What's the best way to aquaint them with the gun? Shoot it with them far away, and move them closer a little at a time?

A freind took her dog to a trap shoot ,the first day she sat a long way away and played with the puppy . Over several days she moved slowly closer, till they right behind the line PLAYING all the while.

with my dog.... we started him with smaller "bangs", like a .22 and what not. Then we got him to the point where our .300 mag boss system doesn't even fase him. Also be careful of fireworks. Our dog loves fireworks, because he was introduced to them slowly.

yeah start them with guns like .22s and .410s and stuff and slowly go to the bigger gauges and calibers