I've purchased a yellow lab pup which I intend to train for duck hunting. How long should I wait until I start teaching him how to retrieve? He will be 7 weeks old when I pick him up. I will post some pics once I get him. Thanks

Paul

Training should start after the pup has settle in and gotten comfortable in their new surroundings. The best resource I have seen for training pups is Jackie Mertens "Sound Beginnings" video. Worth every cent.

losthwy,
Thanks for information on the training video. I found the video on a few websites for around $40. Does that sound right? Do any pro shops sell the video? Thanks

Paul

For sure, get "Sound Beginnings" -- then get either the "10 Minute Retreiver" (by the Dahl's) and/or "Smartwork" (by Evan Graham) for training books. "10 Minute" is dandy for a great Hunting Dog -- "Smartwork" makes for a superb hunting dog as well as a dog that can run in the higher levels of Hunt Tests.

It has been a while since I bought mine but $40 sounds right. I believe "Roxie" or "Labman" over at the Refuge forum carries the video.

Booney160:
I got this website from one of DocE's posts awhile back,,,they have the dvd "Sound Beginnings" and they have alot of other cool stuff devoted to lab training. www.coonriverkennels.com hope this helps

Thanks everyone for all the information. I think I'll pick up "Sound Beginnings" and one or both of the training books with can be purchases at the www.coonriverkennels.com website. I think they'll all be great resources for the beginner I'll be, I want to thank you all for the help. If you have any more resources or gear which you'd think would be helpful, please share. Thank you all very much.

Paul