Dog Training???

Steelin Steel · 12-09-2003, 08:24 PM

I have a friend who wanted to know if I wanted his Yellow Lab. It is 1 years old. I was wondering if he is to old to train to retrieve ducks. Any info would be great.
Lance

[ 12-10-2003, 12:01 AM: Message edited by: lancethefisher ]

FishOrDie · 12-10-2003, 08:38 AM

From what I have seen that is not to old, the major question is how is the dog around guns. I have hunted next to dogs that were well past a year old before their training had begun and they did absolutely great. I guess the motto better late than never kind of fits this scenario.
If the dog is afraid of guns however that would be a tougher call. Some people say that can be trained out of them also but I have yet to see it happen effectively.
If the dog has no gun experience start it out small, with a cap gun and then work up to a shot gun, do this while you are playing fetch so that it becomes second nature to the dog.

Just my 2 cents,

Good Luck

FOD

[ 12-10-2003, 09:40 AM: Message edited by: FishOrDie ]

12-10-2003, 08:56 AM

You have to remember you're dealing with a bone head Lab. This dog is way too old to ever learn anything and you should get rid of it ASAP. You can send it to me and I'll take care of it for you. NOT!

It should make you a good companion and hunting partner. :smile:

FishinTechnician · 12-10-2003, 09:01 AM

How good a friend is the guy that's offering the dog? Behavior and health problems, or gun shyness are all things to be concerned about. Is the dog from a Sire and Dam that are healthy with certified hips and good eyes? Is the dog from trained, hunting parents? How has the animal been kept? Has it been kenneled with only minimal human contact? If everything checks out then you stand a reasonably good chance of being able to do something with the dog. A year isn't to old to start formal training especially if the dog has been exposed to some preliminary training up to this point, even if it was only obedience training.

Tilla · 12-10-2003, 05:30 PM

Find your local Retriever Club at American Kennel Club.org. Hunt tests...Performance Retrievers...
They got birds, guns and know how.

[ 12-10-2003, 06:33 PM: Message edited by: Tilla ]

Steelin Steel · 12-10-2003, 10:20 PM

Thanks for the info. :smile: