[fishnfool]

I plan on getting a lab this fall (puppy) and want to know if anyone recommends any good books or websites to read up on for dog training so i know what i'll be getting myself into. Thanks.

 

[Orion]

Capt. Mark;

Can we have a sticky thread with a compiled list of these items that have been recommended in previous posts? Here is my previous contribution, slightly modified:

Recommended for a new retriever pup:

Lots of money. Between food, vet bills, training equipment, ruined shoes, hats, and other stuff, this dog, before it dies, is going to conservatively cost you anywhere from $4,000.00-?

Video:
Sound Beginnings by Jackie Mertens, http://www.puppyvideo.com

Books:
1. The 10-Minute Retriever by John and Amy Dahl
2. Training Retrievers for Marshes and Meadows, by James Spencer
3. Finished Dog by Charles Jurney
4. The Working Retrievers by Tom Quinn

You would do well to read every retriever book you can get you hands on. You can get a surprising number from the Ohio Library system:

http://winslo.state.oh.us/publib/libtable.html
http://www.ohiolink.edu/

Equipment:
Collar
Puppy bumper or clean paint roller
Hot dog slices ("pennies")
Whistle

A little later:
Lead
Heeling Stick
Shotshells loaded with 209 primers; NOTE: do not shoot any gun, whether primers or full loads, over or near pup.
Small Dokken (Teal, Quail, Grouse, etc.)

Always: Lots of love, lots of praise. And oh yeah, join a performance-based retriever club!

 

[Trainer]

<P>Fishnfool,&nbsp; Feel free to call or email me with any questions or help you need.&nbsp; I am willing to help any of our OhioWaterfowl posters.&nbsp; Jim</P>

 

[fishnfool]

Thanks for the replies and offer for help. I'm sure i'll need it. Like i said i won't be getting it till this fall when i get a house with a yard so no major rush. Anyone want to recommend some good lab breeders in the toledo area?

 

[BrettRiedlinger]

I'm hoping to have a litter this fall.
Three pups already spoken for.

 

[CMDUX]

Tritronics Retriever Training.&nbsp; Solid program even if you don't plan on using an electric collar.<br> <br> Where are you located?&nbsp; This is the season for Field Trials and Hunt Tests.&nbsp; Get out and meet some people.&nbsp; See some dogs work.&nbsp; Get some leads on a litter or two that might be planned.&nbsp; The more you know about where you are going with your dog before you even bring him/her home, the better for the both of you.<br>

 

[Mightyduck]

Game dog by Richard Wolters also wrote Water Dog and Gun Dog. <img src="http://www.websitetoolbox.com/images/boards/smilies/thumb.gif" align="middle" border="0"><br>