Labradors

[Seahawk]

I'm in the market again, three years after Earl passed.

Earl was a family dog since the kids were infants when we got him. The next one will be more of a working dog/retriever for geese, ducks and quail. My son and I want to train the dog.

A few questions:

I've been looking on line for books concerning how to train a Lab to be an effective hunting dog....there is almost too much information. It is hard to pick a method or series of instructional material. Does anyone in the PP Trust have real world experience to help guide my methods?

Thanks in advance.

I am looking for an English Lab, like Earl. Again, the amount of data on breeders is overwhelming. I've been to all the sites, trust me. The guy I purchased Earl from over fifteen years ago is no longer in business...his number no longer connects. I'm working the local jungle drums as well.

So, again, anyone who has been where I am headed that has a recommendation I would be grateful. I am willing to wait for the right dog.

We have rescued a lot of dogs over the years so I get it. Our current dogs are both rescues. I have a specific task in mind and want the right dog not someones mistake. Sorry.

Lastly, I have a name picked out...a tribute to a certain Haiku master who posts here

[craigster59]

You're naming the dog Odd Job Uno?

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by craigster59

You're naming the dog Odd Job Uno?

Close

[Don Ro]

An FYI...
I met a fellow in Oregon a couple of years ago who owned a "German Water Dog". A wonderful hunting dog, it was a treat to watch its working style. The owner said it was the best of all the hunting dogs that he owned/trained over his 50+ years of hunting.
I put the name in quotes because the rest of us recognized it as a Standard Poodle. I hunted all my youth in North Dakota but w/o a dog...I would love to try the Standard, but I don't hunt anymore.
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Poodles have been bastardized by man, IMO.
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"The poodle was originally bred to be a water dog -- retrieving game fowl trapped or shot down by its owners. In fact the name "poodle" is a derivative of the old German extraction "pudeln" which translates roughly as 'to splash in water.'"
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Poodle History | Historical Information About Poodles
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Have fun training & hunting w/your new pup. 'Sounds like fun.
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[ben parrish]

I've had labs for years...bought my current dog's mother over 15 years ago from a breeder that only raised chocolate's for duck hunting...she was the smartest dog I have ever had...she "got it". I had her trained on hand signals..wasn't hard at all.

The biggest factor, IMHO, is time spent with the dog and positive reinforcement. She thrived on her reward ( a tennis ball and lots of praise).

Her son, Zola, is the BEST dog I have ever had. Super laid back faimily pet. Seriously, the BEST dog! He listens extremely well but I never trained him for hunting. He is now eight and slowing down big time. He's a fat, happy dog.

When the time comes for a new dog, I am also seriously considering a standard poodle.

[porsche4life]

Originally Posted by Seahawk

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Rika?


I wish you luck, we've never attempted to train our Lab/Heeler mix to retrieve, but I can tell she would be good at it. Labs are some of my favorite dogs, and you know that however you train the new pup, you will love it.

[Seahawk]

Very cool, Don.

I had no idea.

I am set on a Lab mainly because I know the breed and there are a lot of other animals on my farm...temperament is more critical than hunting skill.

That was a great link.

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by ben parrish

I've had labs for years...bought my current dog's mother over 15 years ago from a breeder that only raised chocolate's for duck hunting...she was the smartest dog I have ever had...she "got it". I had her trained on hand signals..wasn't hard at all.

Is the breeder still a going concern? Earl was a black lab so I'm looking for a chocolate.

Thanks!

[ben parrish]

I believe so...down in Duck Town, Tenn. I will look into it as I have friends near the area.

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by ben parrish

I believe so...down in Duck Town, Tenn. I will look into it as I have friends near the area.

Thanks, I do appreciate it. Smart is what I want.

And the name will be Reka: "River".

[RWebb]

well, my Golden is named for the Scottish word that means the crossing of a narrow strait of water...

re training and breeders - go talk to each breeder and discuss that specific (hunting?) task with each one -- a good breeder will want to interview you anyway to make sure their dog has a good home, but you probably knew that

scientists who have studied dogs have found that what we call "retrieving" is based on 3 innate behaviors that are bound together during training (developmental behavior is the term) and each has been selected for by breeders - unfortunately, it's been so long ago that I don't recall the articles on it or even all 3 of the behaviors - Let me try an educated guess tho: 1. desire to mouth and nerve endings in the lips & mouth; 2. return to companion (owner, butler or demi-god depending on the mind set); and 3. most likely the "give" behavior

[BRPORSCHE]

Viszla? Great retrievers.

[RANDY P]

"Nota"

LOL

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by RWebb

well, my Golden is named for the Scottish word that means the crossing of a narrow strait of water...

I found blath and Firth and Kyle.

I'm interested.

[9dreizig]

1st generation Labradoodle best retriever I've ever known... best of both breeds

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by Seahawk

....Lastly, I have a name picked out...a tribute to a certain ****** master who posts here

Good luck with your breeder and puppy search! I would not however name my pup "Tabs" .

[steve185]

Labs are great, I prefer a female. Take your time in choosing your pup, I would try to see the parents if possible. I got my new pup about four months ago.

Richard Wolthers books are about the best for training your pup. He was a nuclear physicist whose hobby was retrievers. I would get one of his books before the pup.

good luck

[72 four door]

Labs are incredible This is big kasey. He passed last yr but what a great buddy

[mossguy]

JAKE! Gone but not forgotten.

[RWebb]

Originally Posted by Seahawk

I found blath and Firth and Kyle.

I'm interested.

Kylesque (sp) - short version is Kylie (female)

1st Golden was named "Mac"