Retriever Questions

[CoolWaterDecoy]

Hello. I have a 2 year old male black lab and a chocolate female puppy on the way. I am really wanting to get into field trials and hunt tests and was wondering if my black lab Rio was too old to get him some training? I plan to do things different with the new puppy. Thank you for your help.

[Jeremy DeVries]

Your lab is definelty not too old. Rio can learn until he's a ripe old age of 14 if your lucky. Concerning trials and hunt tests, Trails are out at least for a couple years. Your pup might be able to compete in a derby (under 2), but again thats a year away.

So, back to the black dog. Lets assume he has some basics, sit, come, heel and maybe that he has even retrieved some birds. If you are that far, you can already enter a Junior Level hunt test right now. Junior dogs are required to retireve birds to the handler and may be restrained with a lead. You can find regulations and requirements on the AKC website. If he is further along, you might look into the requirements of a senior level test.

If the dog has zero trainng, well than thats a different story.

Get a book, 2 is not too old to learn, and educate yourself first. Always start with yourself. Joe Shmoe off the street can't teach rocket science and you can't teach a dog either without some training. Start with the basics, join a retriever club and find a local PRO. You will amazed at how much you can learn in 15 minutes with a PRO. Bring your humility hat and have fun with it.

good luck.

[CoolWaterDecoy]

Thanks for the help. He has most of the basics, sit, stay, and down. He has never retrieved a bird in his life. I have worked with him a bit on staying and releasing to get a bumper, but that is all.

I hope you don't mind, but I have another question....Rio hasn't been too many dogs in his life, the number he's been around for more than five minutes is 5. He did good with all of them except my buddy's poodle b/c the poodle thought that when they got a treat he had to chase Rio when Rio was a puppy, so now with treats and other dogs he isn't the best. Other dogs in the neighborhood he is fine with until he sees either my fiance or I then he gets "tough" I am nervous to take Rio to a retriever club or something b/c I don't know what he would do concerning other dogs, how can I fix this problem? Again thansk for your help.