I need some help/advice please.
I keep hearing that a dog needs a job.....
What does that really mean??
My 6 months old lab is already full time employed with, eating, pooping, sleeping, and making me laugh.....lol
No seriously, he's a house dog, my buddy, so what "job" does he need or should he have??
Thanks,

Something to help them burn off some energy. A walk or run or whatever, but something to get them some exercise and a sense of order if that makes any sense.

Teach him to retrieve

I've never heard that expression. I think it's just someone's figure of speech.

Thanks, we do take a couple daily walks, usually a little over a mile, and he is just learning to retrieve tennis balls, he also likes chasing the frisbee, although he hasn't caught one mid-air, yet......
I guess it was the word "job" that had me concerned.....

Maybe since they are a hunting breed they need to hunt? So like an athlete that is confined to being a couch potato is not going to be very happy.

Do yard and/or obedience session 10-15 minutes a day. Wear em out mentally as well as physically.

Check out 10 minute retriever by Amy Dahl.

"The 10-Minute Retriever: How to Make a Well-Mannered, Obedient and Enthusiastic Gun Dog in 10 Minutes a Day"

Product Description
The 10-Minute Retriever reflects the authors' belief that daily ten-minute training sessions best suit a retriever's attention span and lead to rapid learning. This book is easy to use for the absolute beginner and yet deeply informative for the serious student of retriever training. The text has the information most needed by the owner of a pet retriever: how to make it reliable obedient and well-mannered. It also has the information for which amateur retriever trainers are clamoring: how to force fetch, how to set up tests in the field, and how to use an electric collar humanely and effectively. The emphasis of their training method is on obtaining necessary control and good manners while maximizing the dog's enthusiasm for its work by establishing training situations where the dog desires to cooperate. Primary importance is placed on developing and enhancing the desire to retrieve, from early puppyhood onward. The method presented provides a solid foundation to the dog and owner continuing to advance retrieve training (blind retrieves and competition). Concepts and methods are illustrated with true dog stories. Difference between the major breeds are described and adaptations are given for the different breed personalities.
About the Author
John and Amy Dahl have over 30 years of retriever training experience between them. They have won numerous field-trials, five State Gun Dog Championships and other informal competitions, handled six dogs to their Field Championships and trained others who were owner-handled to their titles, including two Cheapeakes and two Dual Champions. They are regular and popular contributors to The Retriever Journal magazine.

10 Min. is a great book.

JeffD, thanks for the information, I'm gonna order that book today.
I do keep him worn out, it's amazing how this heat knocks him out, but I'm sorta kinda dreading the cooler weather.....lol

You bet 1tonbambam! I asked that EXACT same question to my breeder when I got my pup. Now I know all too well. haha

Keep your training sessions short and always, always end on a good note with success. Also always end a session with him wanting more, before you start seeing him tiring out and losing interest.

Good luck with your buddy and keep us updated!

JD

You also might want to hook up with the Alamo Retriever Club in San Antonio and/or the Waterloo Retriever Club in Austin.

Both have great folks and have training groups (and grounds/water) that could help you out a lot!

www.alamoretrieverclub.com

www.waterloo-retriever.org

Good luck!

JeffD,
Really appreciate the info!

You bet...whoops:

www.alamoretriever.com

It's official, I have the coolest dawg! He just caught his first frisbee.....
Woo Hoo.......

Sweet!

http://skyhoundz.com/

http://www.ufoworldcup.org/

http://hyperflite.com/

Whoa, dude, those dogs are awesome!!

Thanks for popping my bubble.....lol

lol some cool training stuff and gear, groups, etc.

Guarantee those dogs are way older than 6 months!

Training disc stuff is definitely giving them a job to do!