Hi all,

I am a labbie lover, and own Denver a pedigree yellow lab, and Karla a pedigree chocolate lab. Both have been purchased from reputable breeders, both sets of parents are hipscored, and eye tested.

My question is both have FTCH in their pedigree, and I really want to get involved in field trial training. I understand they cannot until they are 1 yr old, so ther developing bones do not become damaged. One is 6 months the other is a year old.
The chocolate is extremely keen at retrieving, whereas the yellow isn't that bothered.

Where do I start? Can I as a novice become involved in Field trial training?

Both dogs are very good with other dogs, and are very obiedient. They are trained to the best I can train them, but I want to take either one or both of them to the next level.

Many thanks,

Love labbies.

Hi
can't help with your question I'm afraid but would like to say welcome
Archer

Aw thanx Archer! Nice to meet you.

Love labbies.

Hi Labbies, first off you're absolutely right about being cautios with a young pups developing bones, it's so important when they're so young.  I too am due to get a Lab very soon and hope to do working tests etc. with her.  It's a good idea if you can to join a gundog club beforehand and perhaps attend a working test or training session just to see what actually goes on.  Most Gundog clubs do run training classes and they can really help with general training.

To be honest though, you really need to speak with John who frequents this site, and will no doubt be able to offer some great advice.  John should hopefully see your message soon.

Good luck!  Jo.

Training starts as soon as you get a puppy!
In the early stages it is just a matter of not letting bad habits form. I start doing play retrieves in the house straight away, aiming at the puppy getting into the habit of coming straight back to me. Only about 3 to 4 foot distance so I can guide the puppy back to me. Later I'll do a few in the garden, again at short distances. Two or three retrieves are plenty at one time then put the dummy away. Don't leave it lying around, It is your toy that you are allowing him to play with, not his toy.

When a puppy starts to loose the baby teeth I put the dummies away and don't get them out again until the adult teeth are through. During this stage I concentrate on heelwork, recalls and stays.

Look for a gundog club which holds training sessions and go along. Chat to the members and watch what they are doing then when you are able to take your puppy along it will not take you by surprise. If you let me know your rough location I might be able to point you in the direction of a training club.

Best wishes, John

Hi John,

Karla is a fantastic retriever. She always brings a toy/object straight back to me. I have trained her so that if I say "In my hand" she will pick up an object she has retrieved, if she has dropped it by my feet she will then place it into my hand. She retrieves well in water too. She once dragged out a huge branch!

I am in Shropshire. Here is my email, birthcompanions at i12.com (replace the at with a @), then I can tell you my location.

Your advice has been very helpful. Where can I purchase training dummies?

love labbies.

Hi welcome to the board. Are you in any of the Lab Clubs, only they have water working tests and a gundog training day in May. You know you could also purchase Johns book, it is very informative and bless him all proceeds go to Lab rescue.
Debbie :)

No I am not a member of any Lab clubs yet. Are the Kennel club run?

where do I buy Johns book from?

Thanks Debbie!

Glenys Fryer (mattie) has copies for sale you could send her a private message. I will PM you with the number for lab club.

Hi Labbies,

You can order John's book direct from http://shop.helpalabrador.co.uk/   and then click on the 'books' icon.

It really is a great read. 

bye, jo.

Thanks Jo :) 

the web site is Glenys' (Mattie) she runs the rescue

Hi Lovelabbies
Like Archer I can't help neither, just thought I would say hello, good evening and welcome!

Dee

Hi there fellow lab lover!

I have a pedigree yellow lab.

You can start now now now! you can master the basics with your lab.  Quite correct that you cannot do much until they are fully developed as this could be detrimental to their joints.  My dog is 15 months old and we have been doing WT since he was about 9 months and obedience since he was 12 weeks old but we are not allowed to compete with him in WT or take him over the full height scales until he is 18 months old.

Good luck and enjoy your labs they are so adoreable and just yummy!

xx

Hi lovelabbies, fellow lab lover here.  I got into gundog training five years ago with my older dog.  Be warned, it's very addictive.  I now spend all my spare time, training and going along to help at gundog working tests, and training sessions.  I am now secretary of a gundog club (for my sins).  John has been a good internet friend and given me loads of advice over the last few years. 
There are some good books and videos, but its getting out and about with your dogs and meeting others and training together thats the real fun. 
Have fun and get going on the basics.  I did lots of early training with my younger lab, but never any long retrieves or jumping until she was over 1 year.
Lorna

Hiya
Just wanted to say welcome to this addictive forum....loads of help, advice and friendly people here :)
I don't have a lab, but am from Shropshire too.
BFN
Jo
:)

Just to say hi, I have four labs and Springer Sp. used to field trial Springer, started by accident as I entered her into a fun scurry at a local field fayre, and she beat most of the old hands on her first time out. I got invited to a mock trial and went on to be placed in three FTs, but she got ill and is now a nine year old pet,. I have never shown her, but plan to show my lab puppies for first time in August.  Good luck and enjoy it.

Kay