Upland retrievers or suggest a book to me

[1911 guy]

I have a five month old labrador pup that I'd like to train on upland game. My last lab was a squirrel nut, all it took was some play with squirrel tails and she'd tree every squirrel in the county for me.

This one, I'd like to be able to hunt birds over her. She's got good genes and good build, heaven knows she's got plenty of energy. I'd just like to harness it.

I know how to train a dog in basic obedience and such, but really have no idea where to start to actually get results. Any book recommendations or such would be welcome.

I'm not interested in Field Trial type stuff, I'd like an actual working gundog.

 

[Kingcreek]

Richard Wolter's Gun Dog or Game Dog
time proven excellent training techniques

 

[wgp]

I used to have a Lab, and I recall the advice given to me at a Quail Unlimited program when I asked about using a Lab on quail: "Get a different dog." I did not agree with that, although I have come to prefer a pointing dog, in my case a German Shorthair. My Lab did not become a good upland dog but that was more my fault than hers, I did not get her on enough birds while she was young. She was controllable and a wonderful dog and had I done my part she would have been a better hunter.

Absolutely agree with the last post, Richard Wolters' books. They seem to be widely available, easy to follow.

 

[Husker_Fan]

I used Gun Dog to train our lab when I was in high school. That dog, however, had good pointing instincts. My current lab has not pointing in him, but he does very well with pheasants. He has a great nose and works close to me.

It is different hunting with a dog like that. You have to pay attention to the signs they give when they are getting birdy. I also think it's more fun to not have as much control over when a bird flushes and I get a shot. Of course, I could just be biased because he is such a great dog in other ways as well.

 

[Fastcast]

Another vote for Richard Wolters Gun Dog.

At 5 months you're starting to get behind the 8 ball. There's a lot to teach and learn for both of you. The older they get the more bad habits they learn and the less impressionable they are.

Get the book and get busy before you lose her.