retreiver training for a new pup

Howardscalls · Post by **Howardscalls** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 1:45 pm

This is my first post and I am looking for someone to advise me on a good book that I may obtain to train my 10 week old lab pup to retrieve

Post by **ezzy333** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 3:36 pm

Welcome! There are other people better qualifies than I to answer but if you look back at previous posts I think you will find that Evan Graham's book Smart fetch is highly thought of. I am sure yu will get some answers this evening.

Ezzy

kiddcline · Post by **kiddcline** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 4:33 pm

You will find a lot of great info at www.retrievertraining.net

This site does have a lot of good info but it is usually more focused on upland dogs.

Lab Man · Post by **Lab Man** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 9:25 pm

Another good site is www.duckhunter.net and go to the Gun Dog Forum.

I suggest you get 10 Minute Retriever by John and Amy Dahl. A book called Retriever Puppy Training "The Right Start For Hunting". I also suggest a book called Fowl Dawgs 1. I would start with these and then later get Smartwork for Retrievers by Evan Graham. You can see the books and dvd's at www.coonriverkennels.com

Here are some helpful tips.

1. Always keep your pup on a lead during all training sessions. This way the pup cannot learn that it can run away from you and not listen. I suggest a 30 ft lead.

2. Keep your training sessions to 10 to 15 minutes.

3. Take your time with your training. One of the biggest mistakes new trainers make is they hurry through the early stages of training and do not build a strong foundation. You have until the pup is 6 months of age to complete obedience.

4. Only throw 2 to 3 retrieves per session. You alway want to quit with the pup wanting more. This will build the pups desire to retrieve.

5. Make sure you take plenty of time for bonding and socialization. Expose your pup to other people and other dogs.

6. Do your homework on proper introduction to birds and gun fire.

7. Be paitent. Getting mad at your pup does more harm then good. If you feel like you are losing your cool call it a day.

Good luck and remember to keep it fun.

Goosehunterdog · Post by **Goosehunterdog** » Fri Mar 21, 2008 12:56 pm

I also recommend The 10 Minute Retriever...

If you are wanting a good DVD I would start with Sound Beginnings..

Another good one is Fowldawgs 1 for the money...

DarbyMan · Post by **DarbyMan** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 3:33 pm

Welcome aboard. I am new to the site and training my first retriever as well. I also recomend the 10 minute retriever, I have read it twice now. I also got another book that I really like called The Working Retrievers by Tom Quinn. It is written in a matter of fact format that I enjoy, in other words he is very realistic.
Good luck and stay in touch, maybe we can bounce ideas off one another.

bean1031 · Post by **bean1031** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 3:49 pm

100 percent no doubt get Evan Grahams books, there is just nothing out there better. But be sure to stay away from Richard Walters stuff, it sucks!