Training is everything. You may want to start with Richard Wolters books/videos. He one of many references. The key is to start with the basics, stay withone program, be consistant and don't skip steps. You kinda put me off by your lab slamming title. As far as hunting training, labs are one of the easiest breeds to train (if you follow whatI said above). I'm sure after you have trained a good lab you will be heading your next messge- "LAB'S BEST DOGS EVER- HOW COULD I HAVE BEEN SO WRONG ABOUT THEM."

Kidding. Enjoy the training. Go slow and be patient.

-Mathewsconquest2

You are going to have your hands full if you are planning on keeping the dog and training it. Most dogs do not need to be trained to hunt. You do need to train on obedience so you can control the dog. But it shouldn't have gone to the truck when you shot so I think you may have a gunshy dog. Good luck!

I would never loan out my dog. My boss wanted to go pheasant hunting and wanted to take a group of "hunters" out into the field. He wanted my dog but didnt want to give me the day off.. I said if I dont go.. He isnt going.. The boss is the type that if the dog would have got shot.. oh well not his dog.. and wouldnt acknowledge it.. I wasnt going out with a bunch of rookies.. The trip never happened..

Now I select who I want hunting over my lab.. He is my buddy.. and anyone who hunts with me knows if they shoot my dog.. they will be shot.

I suggest training him with his owner - maybe train them both. Some dogs cannot be trainined after living the civilian life for to long.

I suggest getting a book called GUN DOG. It is an excellent training guide for new dogs.

I would also test him - get some scents (pheaseant, qual, etc) and around a field, drag a decoy (don't let the dog see you) in and around the edge and plant under a log or some bushes with maybe a 500 or more yard run. Let the dog smell the decoy, ley him loose and see if he finds it. If he stays on it and at least has a good attempt to find it you may have a chance. Sounding from his first experience you may not have good luck with this one.