Another Lab Question

[Big Goose]

I have a 2 1/2 year old yellow lab. I have given some thought to taking him hunting and training him but I am afraid he is too old. I know you should train them ASAP when they are puppies but am I too late to start with this dog? Thanks, Micah C.

[River Hunter]

You can teach an old dog new tricks

[privb9121]

I would have to say no to this, I have taken my dog for the first time this year, I know for a fact that he is at least two years old. I've had him for about a year now. He was abused really bad before I got him and back before dove season he was even gun shy. He'd not even been worked with other than the occasional single dummy retrieve that the guy I got him had just taught him. In about 3 weeks of about 1 hr a day in the after noon I had him marking and retieving 3 bumpers and heiling. He was still pretty spastic due to the abuse, but he got over it pretty well. The other day he retrieved 8 out of ten ducks. The other dog that we hunted with got the other two. The dog is far from perfect, but if you make it a game then he'll just get right into the motions. This being his first season, we've giving him most of the birds to get and it's really helped out. Instead of hanging his head when we call his eyes are starting to watch the horison. It's like night and day and it's only taken one half of a $#!+ season for him to catch on. It's to the point now that as soon as I grab my Beretta and head out the door he's standing at the back of the truck ready to go. Patience is a virtue trust me, after having a few really good duck dogs it's hard for me to not want to bitch and moan, but then i just set back and see the improvement that he has shown and I smile...I guess I'm getting soft in my old age.

[judge jb]

the best lab i ever seen work was 6 years old before he had ever been off the sidewalk.... raised in an apt. in Memphis and given to a good home..... where duck huntin became his big game.....haha...{didn't have to worry about the pup in him}... they never get too old, in fact too many expect too much too soon of a pup.....

judge jb

[goosebruce]

The question isn't CAN you train this dog to hunt, it's SHOULD you train this dog to hunt. Look at the overall dog, and decide if it's worth your time and effort, or would you be better served with getting a puppy after the season. Does the dog like fetching things? Or is he disintrested? Does the dog know his name, and like to be around people and pick up on people ways fast? Or has he spent most of his life in a kennel, or with other dogs, and never really got the people/dog thing? Is he yours, or you just get him? Why did you just get him? A giveway dog you fall in love with might just be the most expesnive free dog in the world if its health problems. Finally, show the dog a bird... a wing clipped pidgeon, and see what he does when it flops around and tries to fly....

But remember, if you start this, be fair to dog. It's not his fault he's starting at a disadvantage, and you decided you SHOULD train him. He's not a puppy, and some things will be easy, and some easy things will be hard. You'll have to start like he's a 12 week old puppy, and progress at his rate (HIS RATE, not yours, or the books!).

I'm not saying it can't happen, cause it can. I can think of a fat choc dog named jack that fits that bill exactly, and he's a riot. He'll never do advanced work, but his owner wasn't looking for that, but he'll hunt for years. QT posted a story bout a dog he found, and $1500 later after a few vet bills, he ended up with a half deaf dog that somehow can hunt. But these are long shots, and for every sucess story, theres a lot more that didn't pan out (but then again, look how many dogs people bought as puppys that never pan out, cause they don't learn much sitting on couch). I'm saying go into this with your eyes open, and always remember you took a couch potato and tried to make him a hunting dog and be happy with whatever results you get. It's not his fault he didn't get a fair shake, and you'll have to make it up to him.

No matter what, have fun. Hunting with dogs and training dogs is FUN. Make it fun, and you'll make it better for you and pooch. travis

[Big Goose]

I have had him since he was a puppy. He loves to retrieve and listens most of the time. I expect that out of a dog that has not had lots of training. He know simple commands at this point (sit, stay, etc.) I am just going to start spending more time working with him. We will see what happens. Hopefully it will turn out well. Thanks for the suggestions!
Micah C.

[Lab4U]

You have been given some great examples of retrievers that were started late then developed and performed well. In reality I would offer these thoughts. 1-Give the retriever an opportunity and you might have found a "diamond in the rough", that certainly happens. 2- Be fair to the dog, don't expect too much early and don't take your (if that be the case) disappointment out on the dog. Make the whole experience fun for you and the dog. 3- Retrievers (as a whole-Goldens, Labs- all colors, Chessies, Flat Coats, Curly Coats, Standard Poodles, and now N.G. Duck Tollers) are the most popular breeds in the U.S. What that means unfortunately is that there are a lot of "backyard breeder" out there making puppies for all the wrong reasons. Many times these backyard breeders are passing on good-looking dogs without the other critical characteristics vital to making a really good retriever. I would estimate that at least 40% (and maybe even 50%) of the retrievers sent to professionals to be trained as huntng dogs (not necessarily field trail or hunt test dogs) do not make the grade. Every now and then even a pup out of a really great litter does not make it.
What am I rambling on about! Enjoy the experience , be patience . You may have what you paid for or you may win the lottery . Good Luck.

[Big Goose]

Thanks for all the help! Micah C.