Beginning the search for a trainer as I just acquired a 12 week old lab. I dove hunt quite a bit so not sure on what to look for in trainer as most all of them have great websites, etc. I’m located in the Hill Country and will drive to the right one. I’ve also aware that some train their own but I’m not sure as I have never done it (had plenty of cow dogs that either had it or didn’t). Thanks in advance on any recommendations.

For the first 6-7 months you can do it yourself. “Sound Beginnings” by Jackie Mertens is a good video for puppy basics.

Then at about 7-8 months old I would recommend Best Retrievers or Kanati Kennels for the hill country area.

Good luck!

If you do decide to do the training on your own PM me and I can help you out.

Can’t go wrong with either of the suggestions from Bradybuck.

I appreciate the responses so far and I’m mulling my options over.

Drake Sporting Dogs in Blanco Texas. Obedience and Basic Gun dog all the way to Master and National level dogs. Contact Justin Drake.

I can personally vouch for Best retrievers, I've had three dogs trained there over the years. I also recommend Cour's retrievers, they're opening their new facility in Ledbetter. My new pup is heading there next month. I don't believe Justin Drake is in Blanco, his FB page shows to be in Montgomery.

Thanks for the information.

Justin Drake with Drake Sporting Dogs IS in Blanco. He moved out there last year from Montgomery just hasn't changed his fb page apparently.

Drake is pretty close to me and Best is a little further, not sure which one to call as I assume they are both pretty good.

I don't have any personal experience with Drake so I can't help there. I do have experience with both Best and Cour's. My dogs run both Super Retriever series and field trials so that's why I have chosen Cour's since Luke focuses on both of those. Rody Best has also shifted towards those more in the last couple years but is also big in the AKC hunt test game. If you're just looking for gundog training, close is nice so you can be more involved with your dog during training.

For what’s it’s worth these are all great recommendations. Call and talk to the trainers, all of those mentioned should be very approachable and answer whatever questions. Also depends on what exactly you are wanting. Spend the time do some calling, even ask for references. There are some right here that are responding from experience with the trainers they mentioned.

Thank you to everyone for their responses as I am still considering my options that everyone has posted.

Justin Drake is my nephew.
I’ve had him train my dogs in past, and would again.