New duck dog

I just got a black lab puppy. I want to turn into a good hunting dog but I have never trained a dog before. What method should I use?

Congrats on the new pup. I can't help much, I've only trained beagles and a few pointers. I think this is a Pstone question.

Tenn Tom, call me, 662-458-9758. Also check out the Ducksouth gun dog forum. I would highly suggest joining a retriever club as well, and I can help you get that done too. Give me a call, I'll help you however I can. I've trained a couple, but not a pro by any means.....But know a handfull of pro's personally....

I'll try to give you a call tomorrow after school. Don't have time tonight.

Try the book GUN DOG by Richard Wolters. I am on my third dog and learned more from that book than anywhere. Like Pstone said join a retriever club as well if one is close to you. Just remember be calm, patient, and most of all repetition will win out. I am no professional by any means and I could really care less about field trials(no offense, it's just not my thing). I really enjoy just watching a good dog work. Good Luck.

I'm not big on feild trials either. Our club does hunt tests(pass or fail, not win or loose), and have several get together and seminars throughout the year. Hunt tests are more laid back, and other people are generally willing to help with whatever issues you may be having. Everyone is pulling for your dog to do good, unlike field trials where they want your dog to fail, so thiers can win...

Waterdog the book seemed to skip a few steps, but overall a good book. Kinda like fishing, there is no substitute for hands on training....

My family has had dogs since before I was born. My father received a dog as a wedding gift back in the day and he had a different decendant of that dog for 30 years! I believe I can train the dog with help but I'm pretty laid back. Does your personality really determine the outcome or is it more time and patience?

What's your number. I'll have my wife call you. Lol

wannabe...

Your dogs bloodline determines the outcome of the dog more than anything. Laid back is good, and slow to loose your temper is good as well. Having the knowledge to know when to corect, when to praise, and learning to think like a dog are important keys to success as well.

I used WATER DOG years ago.

Correction on my suggestion on using the book GUN DOG, I meant WATER DOG. GUN DOG is a good book as well but I started with Water DOG.

I'll give the book a try.

Evan Graham has put out a couple of good books, too-Smartwork/Smartfetch. Congrats and good luck on the new dog.

All of the stuff by Mike Lardy is quality stuff as well....my prefered methods, BUT the Smartworks is easier to follow along with. I would sugest either of those programs over Water Dog ANY day.

Evan Graham and Mike Lardy. Got it. My little dog may not be around long. She destroyed my wife's banna tree last night. I haven't seen her mad enough to cuss in over a year! Just kidding, can you train a dog to not tear up the world. She is still teething so maybe it will pass.