New Pup

[Hunt1Fish2]

I got a new pup named Chief. He is 9 week old male yellow lab that ive had for three days. I've already brought him to the lake to play and get use to the water. To my surpise, he went for a little walk and swim in the water by his self with no need for me to even get him next to the water. He loves it!!! He is also already playing fetch and learning a few basic commands. I only give him praise and I've only given him a treat once after a really long retrieve. I've never trained any dogs before because I'm only 17. Is there any tips that you guys have for me for training?? Any and all are appreciated. Thanks.

[SHORTFAT]

Welcome to the site & glad to hear you got a pup! Be patient with the training and generous with praise... your pup needs to bond with you first. Let him be a pup and enjoy it cuz they grow quick! Get some books and if you can, find someone with experience in training dogs. Work with basic obedience first and build a foundation for everything else with a well behaived dog. He was bred for hunting so if you teach him how to listen and learn from you then the flushing or retrieving, or whatever style of hunting you'll be doing will be more like fine tuning than work. Find yourself someone who has hunting Labs and experience in training. Remember, with your first dog the two of you will be learning together! He will be a special pup for you! Enjoy & good luck! Patience! & post some pics!

[Troy08er]

That's a cool name. Welcome to the forum and lets see some pics.

[Hunt1Fish2]

Thanks. And is it possible to upload photos from a phone?

[Redfishkilla]

Don't give him more than two or three retrieves each day and try to quit when he wants more....too many retrieves can make him bored with it. If you are serious about training to a high level, get Evan Graham's "smartwork" and read it. He's on this site and offers help with his training methods. At seven weeks old though just have fun with pup and like mentioned above bond with the little dude.

[Ghosted3]

Let the pup be a pup for now and let it discover everything, and slowly introduce things like sit, here ect. no more than 15min. though you dont want to burn him out like Red said. I recommend Tom Dokkens Retriever Training, that is packed with pictures and tons of info.

Corry

[MikeB]

Hunt 1 Fish 2,

How many puppy vaccinations has your pup had? I wouldn't take my pup out until it's had at least 2 puppy shots including Parvo & Corona virus too. Maybe I'm over cautious. Better safe than sorry. He can have Rabies Vaccination at 4 months.

[Hunt1Fish2]

Thanks for the being outside advice. and I also bought both of those books and a training video on cables today. basiccommands are doing reals good like sit, here, and lay down. I will get some pics loaded tomorrow