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This might get moved to OT, but I do plan on getting the male (mine) ready to hunt. His name is Nash and he's on the right. The other one is going to my uncle and aunt's house to with with them next weekend. They are just past 6 weeks old.



My fiance took the third litter mate to her apartment. We get married in August so they will be together again soon. I was gonna work through Richard Wolter's books Gun Dog, and Water Dog.

Congrats. They look like great pups.

In addition to the books, you might have an expert handy that you did not think about. Most of the K-9 handlers I know would love to help you train them. They will usually help with basic obedience and might know some tricks for the hunting. That is, if you think you might need help.

gigag04 wrote:

I was gonna work through Richard Wolter's books Gun Dog, and Water Dog.

Great looking pups.

Another good training source is: 10 minute retriever by John and Amy Dahl.

srothstein wrote:Most of the K-9 handlers I know would love to help you train them.

I have actually been bugging them for the past month for advice on vets, foods, training collars, gunfire acclimation training...

One of them recommended the Wolters books.

flintknapper wrote:Another good training source is: 10 minute retriever by John and Amy Dahl.

I saw this book recommended when I ordered the Wolters book on Amazon. I will order it on Amazon Prime now.

I'll be making videos of my progress with the FlipHD camera I got the fiance last year. I think between holsters and training a hunting dog my hobby life will be full!

I am willing to listen to advice y'all have to offer if you've done this before. I grew up with pets galore, as my mother is on the board of directors for an equine rescue, and loves all pets. However, this is my first time to do it "my way" if you will. I read Wolter's "Family Dog" book and will be using it to teach the fiance's (and soon to be my) 5yo boy to train their female. Should be a good time.

gigag04 wrote:I was gonna work through Richard Wolter's books Gun Dog, and Water Dog.

My dad used those to train three labs we had. I read parts of them too. Seemed like good books and the dogs responded well and learned what they were supposed to learn, even from a previously inexperienced trainer.

Good lookin' pups!

"gigag04" wrote:

I am willing to listen to advice y'all have to offer if you've done this before. I grew up with pets galore, as my mother is on the board of directors for an equine rescue, and loves all pets. However, this is my first time to do it "my way" if you will. I read Wolter's "Family Dog" book and will be using it to teach the fiance's (and soon to be my) 5yo boy to train their female. Should be a good time.

I've trained several labs. One... all the way to his Senior Hunter title.

First thing you need to do is settle on what you want your dog to be:

1. Primarily a pet/friend....that will also hunt with you (even if not perfectly).
2. Dedicated field dog....that also gets some family time.

What you decide upon....will dictate how much time and effort will be required to train him, (as well as the dogs ability to learn).

Right now, just let your pups be pups and enjoy them. You will need to read everything you can on the subject of training BEFORE attempting to apply any of it. Its really an exercise in educating yourself (the trainer) about how to get desired results from your dog, than it is about the dog.

Each dog is different, I can't stress that enough. Be patient and KEEP TRAINING SESSIONS SHORT.

Repetition and positive reinforcement is how dogs learn. IF your dog hits a plateau and can't seem to move past it, its your fault...I guarantee it. You just haven't found the reason for the miscommunication.

I have seen very few dogs that were un-trainable, but scads of people who were. Some of the best trained dogs I have seen were those belonging to the pet owner/amateur, simply because they love the animal and took the time to train it correctly.

When you get to the point of Force Fetching your dog (I don't do this until they are well over 1 yr. old), be sure you understand the procedure, or take the Lab to a pro. It is stressful on the dog...until they learn what you want, but a necessary part of the training.

Good luck with your pup. Be patient with him/her...and always "Love him up" when they do good.


Flint.

Beautiful dogs.

Great looking pups!

Labs are very smart dogs that love to please. Hunting and retrieving seems to come naturally to them.

Awhile back, I had both a Lab and a Golden. I'll never forget the day when they were in the backyard when a flock of Geese came over, they both stopped and tracked them until they were out of sight.

Patience, Consistency and Fun will get you a great companion and hunting partner.

Beautiful pups.

Thanks for the kind words folks!

Flint - you'll probably be hearing from me once we get basic commands down.

The dog will be my dog that also happens to hunt, but from the hobby aspect, I'm willing to work with him to make him a solid field dog. Trials look interesting but I'm not even going to look intonit until we're well on our way with training.

gigag04 wrote:Thanks for the kind words folks!

Flint - you'll probably be hearing from me once we get basic commands down.

The dog will be my dog that also happens to hunt, but from the hobby aspect, I'm willing to work with him to make him a solid field dog. Trials look interesting but I'm not even going to look intonit until we're well on our way with training.

That would really be best for your first dog. You happen to be in a good area for training however. I ran my Chocolate in quite a few field trials in Bryan/College Station. You might check and see if the Retriever club there...still exists, lots of enthusiasts in your area.

You can learn a lot by reading, but nothing is of more benefit..than if you can find a skilled mentor.

As with anything...there are "tricks of the trade". Your second dog will be much better than your first, but your first can be excellent if you are willing to put in the time (SHORT periods of training every day possible).

At first....you'll just be working on basic obedience. You can't really do anything with your dog..until you have a "handle" on him. Take it easy, don't be overbearing and let your pup be a pup for awhile before pressuring him.

I guess you already know....Labs tend to have a puppy like attitude, much longer than other dogs.

Just one more reason why I love them.

They are still here. I have to get an AKC PAL restoration since dad wasn't registered. They are pure bred though so I shouldn't have a problem.


I've also been reading about raising twins (littermates) and the warnings against it. As such we will most likely be looking to re-home one of the pups this weekend when they turn 7 wks old. The other is going to my aunt and uncle's to live (late Christmas present). Don't have a home selected yet for #3, but I'm sure I won't have too hard of a time finding a good home.

gigag04 wrote:They are still here. I have to get an AKC PAL restoration since dad wasn't registered. They are pure bred though so I shouldn't have a problem.


I've also been reading about raising twins (littermates) and the warnings against it. As such we will most likely be looking to re-home one of the pups this weekend when they turn 7 wks old. The other is going to my aunt and uncle's to live (late Christmas present). Don't have a home selected yet for #3, but I'm sure I won't have too hard of a time finding a good home.

Well, if you have a hard time finding #3 a home... Let me know, my Chocolate wants to be a big brother.

gigag04 wrote:They are still here. I have to get an AKC PAL restoration since dad wasn't registered. They are pure bred though so I shouldn't have a problem.


I've also been reading about raising twins (littermates) and the warnings against it. As such we will most likely be looking to re-home one of the pups this weekend when they turn 7 wks old. The other is going to my aunt and uncle's to live (late Christmas present). Don't have a home selected yet for #3, but I'm sure I won't have too hard of a time finding a good home.

Smart move.

I am not saying that litter-mates can not be raised/trained together, but it is a huge challenge.

Issues include:

Human does not have enough time to devote (separately) to each dog.
Dogs bond with one another more than with human/master. (human not seen as pack leader)
Dominance issues arise.
Separation anxiety occurs.
Dogs need to be fed and kenneled separately.
Dogs will vie/fight for your attention.

One on one..... will work out best for you, though I completely understand the desire to keep them together.

But, since your goal is to have a faithful, obedient pet/friend (that also hunts), separate them before 11 wks. and start enjoying your new pup.

I hope that your new friend will have a long and healthful life...and that your days spent together will be joy filled and cherished.

One last caution: It is possible that your fiancée (soon to be wife), might feel as if she is competing with the pup for your time, so be careful to manage that.

I thought the Fiance was getting her own pup?