Ok guys. I just bought my first dog that I am going to be using for duck hunting. The dog is a yellow/male lab i got from a good breeder/training facility out of Dayton, Tx. It has a good blood line and bred for hunting. I searched dog training in the forums and came up with good info on book and such. So far it seems as Water Dog, or 10 minute retriever, were the books that were recomemded the most. Along with a couple DVD's.
Now her is my delima. I am bringing the dog home December 30/31,2010 in which it will be a little over 7 weeks old. (born nov. 9, 2010) I work offshore 28 on and 28 off. But by the time crew change and everything happens and im not as tired when i get home its really like a 30 on and 25 off schedual. I have heard that you dont want to over train the dog but like 3 or 4 times a week in 20 minute intervals is the way to go. I figured i would start working with the puppy from the get go, based on what books say and how the puppy reacts. How should i go about doing this or would it be better to just let a trainer train the dog. I would like to train it myself cause it would be more rewarding in the end.
I would like to be able to train the do go do everything such as holding the duck on command, blind retrieves, etc. Im just not sure if the month on and off will hurt in the trining process.
Also when i get home in january i am going on a hunting trip for 6 days right after i get the pup. Would it be a bad idea to bring him to the blind that early just to get him out there. or will the gun shots and other things tramatize the dog. Again he will be like 8 weeks old at this point.
thanks guys for any info yall can give me,
Eddie

I wouldn't bring him in the blind with multiple shots going off at such a young age cause he can't descifer what the hell is going on. As far as the training goes spend time with him and do alot of bonding,at his age let him know that you are his best friend and at the same time the boss. things like sit and stay are great right now, but through the dummy over and over just to get him in the rhythm of bringing it back, make it a game with out commands all that stuff will come later. As far as the month on a month off, I personally would work the dog as much as possible for about 10 minutes a day when he gets older lets say around 4-7months. Put him up everytime you get through with him until he gets in the rhythm that wen you open that gate he knows its time to work. But also you have to reward him from time to time by just playing fetch, keep his curiosity going and his drive. A dog this young has an attention span anywhere from 10-15 min so in that time do your training. other than that take your time and be VERY VERY PATIENT! You'll be ok! Enjoy your new partner, he'll love you forever

If you want to make him gun shy you could bring him...

ok ok no bringing him in the blind that earlie. I figured it was a bad idea, but just wanted to ask.
Thanks

Who did you get the puppy from?

I got the pup from Twin Rivers Retrievers out of Deyton, tx. They seem to have a good facility there for training and breeding. I heard some good stuff about them too. But i am going to try to train the dog myself. What have you heard from them???

Congrats on your new pup. Don'y worry about training except for basic obedience. Socialization is the most important thing you can do with a young puppy. Take them everywhere with you and expose them to different surroundings. At 12 weeks I recommend buying Bill Hillman's CD "training a retriever puppy" . Follow his program and it ends at 5 months. Then you need to begin a basics program. SmartWorks by Evan Graham (Smart Fetch) will get you thru Force Fetch and he has a series of books or DVDs that takes you thru advanced training for retrievers. There is alot of Retriever clubs in your area....HRC and AKC....join a club if you can. Good luck with your pup.

I train with Mike from time to time and we car pull to hunt test. Peanut and Honey are both good dogs not sure what litter your puppy came from, doesn't really matter. If you can train with a retriever club in your area that will help with socialization and any questions you have. The books and video's out there are alot of help but the more dogs you train or help train the better you will be at it. All dogs are different and being able to read your dog will be a huge part of the training. Give Colorado River HRC a call they are the closest to you.

The dog came form peanut. I have been talking to the breeders and they seem to be very encoragable as in helping me with him. I am going to try to talk to all the HRC's in the houston area and hope to get into contact with a few trainers and see what needs to be done.

Starting new dog training in early day after born dog 5 months. You may give your dogs training by professional trainer. Training is very important part of dog, if you don't be provide any kind human behavior training then your dog can't be understand human behavior.