[sc_countryboy26]

I am getting a lab this weekend that ia 11 months old. He needs a good home and I am going to give him one. My question is this. The dog loves to fetch and listens to basic commands like sit, stay and stuff like that. How hard will it be for me to turn this dog into my hunting dog? I have always wanted to have a dog that would retrieve the ducks I shoot. And I was woundering if I should not expect this dog to be that dog. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Goosehunterdog]

If you follow a sound training program and the dog has the instinct you will be fine!! I would recommend The 10 Minute Retriever book or Fowldawgs 1 DVD..

 

[dgellner]

To be completely honest I have most of the training material listed here but BY FAR the best thing you can do for the dog and yourself is find a pro trainer and let him guide you. 100% difference

 

[Goosehunterdog]

To be completely honest I have most of the training material listed here but BY FAR the best thing you can do for the dog and yourself is find a pro trainer and let him guide you. 100% difference

That and join a retriever club and read as much material as possible..
We like to send client dogs home well prepared (which we spend a lot of time with them) but having them have a clue by doing homework makes the transistion much easier..

 

[LaRedneck]

well you said he retreives and listens to you so thats halve the battle. Next step is the find out if he's gun shy and please don't just go blasting away near him. Start off easy, bang some pots or something to let him know its eatin time. or just clap next to him when its quite. The bad habits are going to be the hardest thing, just need to let him know who's boss.

 

[bigmike]

A few months ago i got an 11 month old chessie...liked retrieving, and basic OB....been working with him as much as i can, and is coming along great. read as much as you can. Pro training can be expensive. I like the retrieving club suggestion, thats what i do, but its not a club, just a bunch of people who can help and teach you. By trying yourself and seeing the results its a great feeling. If you cant join a club, or meet others that train, and you have the money i guess send him away for training....good luck.