Hello,

I saw on a previous post that there are some folks on here who have hunting dogs... I am a new owner of a black lab (now 13 weeks old and growing fast!) who will be trained to retrieve and be a bird dog (flushing pheasants for example). I noticed there was some discussion about the different training methods and I'd like to hear more opinions on this....

I have been told multiple times from other lab owners that training by the Wolters Water Dog, Gun Dog, etc, method is the BEST way to train hunting dogs. I see some similarities between Ed's training methods and the methods used in those training videos, however the main differences I see are:

1. Water Dog does not use food to train
2. Timeframe... If I understand the Water Dog correctly, distraction training (including corrections) seems to come much earlier in Water Dog, by 16 weeks, not the 6 months that Ed recommends.
3. Force fetching is the ONLY way to go for Water Dog folks

Does anyone on here have comments/suggestions about ways to train retrieves and hunting dogs that have worked for you? I'd like to do the best thing for my pup.

Thanks!
Meghan

Meghan,
I am on the road right now, but when I get to my destination I will post some links to my Lab working and an explanation of how we trained him.....

Bella and I are also interested, Carol!!

Water dog isnt the greatest program to be following, if you are going to use it I would forget about the timeline that he sets and go at your dog's pace.

For a young pup pick up the video Sound Beginnings by jackie mertens.

10 min retriever is also a good resource and will help you get started and give you an idea of where training goes once you get out of puppy stages. If you are going to cc and ff pick up evan grahams smartwork series.

I forgot to add, the biggest mistake most people make the first time is expecting too much too soon from a young pup and it can really sour the pup's attitude. Go at the dog's pace. Just remember you are creating a hunting partner for life, if you have to miss one season or part of one because the dog isnt ready dont sweat it.