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older dog #6133853 01/13/16 05:08 PM
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Kevin Heath Online Content OP
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My lab died 5 years ago, and I didn't think he was replaceable, so I didn't. Well apparently over the course of the hunting season this past year, I have mentioned how much I miss bird hunting ( I live on the edge of a milo farm, so I see birds all the time), to which my wife would say "well, Go!" To which I'd respond along the lines "not as much fun without a dog".
So, last week my wife comes home with a registered 2.5 y.o.Chocolate lab, he belonged to one of the coaches at the high school where she teaches. He knows NOTHING, apparently he lived in the back yard, only occasionally interacted with and doesn't even have basic manners. On the plus side, he is very sweet, wants to please. Picked up the basics of sit and down pretty quick. So my question, after all of this is. Where can I find a training reference geared towards older dogs? Is it even necessary? I trained my old dog, but a) that was 20 years ago and b) my hunting partner was a dog trainer and walked me thru it. So any and all help is very appreciated.


Some days you're the pigeon, other days you are the statue!
Re: older dog [Re: Kevin Heath] #6133860 01/13/16 05:11 PM
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mbole Offline
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I would think the principles should be the same. Just going to have to work extra hard to get him excited to retrieve.
Bill Hillmann says his stuff will work with older dogs as well and his stuff is really about getting that dog "wild to retrieve."

Re: older dog [Re: Kevin Heath] #6133865 01/13/16 05:14 PM
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The dog is not that old.


Quail hunting is like walking into, and out of a beautiful painting all day long. Gene Hill


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Re: older dog [Re: Kevin Heath] #6133869 01/13/16 05:16 PM
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If you can get the dog's attention and hold it, you can train him. I think dogs really want to learn.


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Re: older dog [Re: Kevin Heath] #6133932 01/13/16 06:00 PM
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For a very basic and cheap program get Chris Akins "Duck Dog Basics"...if the dog wants to please then he's trainable. Then decide if you want to take the training further.

Congrats on the new pup...sounds like you both got what you needed.

Last edited by Judd; 01/13/16 10:30 PM. Reason: spelling

Originally Posted by Phil Robertson
Don't let your ears hear what your eyes didn't see, and don't let your mouth say what your heart doesn't feel
Re: older dog [Re: Kevin Heath] #6133957 01/13/16 06:22 PM
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Kevin,

I would proceed like you have a new 7 week old puppy. There may be a few bad habits with a 2 year old dog that has been left alone, but deal with those, if any, when they arise.

There are some great resources out there to get you started. Go to www.gundogsupply.com and look at retriever training books and videos.

The first things on your list are:

Socialization
Kennel training
House breaking??
Initial retrieves
Introduction to water, birds and gun
Basic obedience

Look for a local retriever club so you can connect with others, get access to training grounds, birds, and other training tips and supplies.


Regards,

Jay
Photographer Afield
www.jayschwisow.com

Re: older dog [Re: Kevin Heath] #6154594 01/26/16 12:58 AM
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Thanks everybody, Jesse has settled in nicely. I'd post a picture if i could figure out how. I went to gundogspply.com, like sweese suggested and i think wecare on the way!


Some days you're the pigeon, other days you are the statue!
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