duck hunting

[cebulmer1]

Hey to all that Duck Hunts...Question to those with dogs. I have a female chocolate Lab im starting, she is just now year old. At what age will this breed settle down a bit? Shes learning great, I'm taking my time and not getting mad at her but I'm thinking shell be good at two to three years of age?

[cebulmer1]

any tips from those who have trained there dogs?

[sawyer1]

I have two hunting labs. Well one good one and a pound pup that is slowly following my good lab. Take your time in training and keep it fun for them when the dog is done training leave it alone dont make it a chore for the dog ,make it fun. The breed from what ive seen settles down around 4 years old. But they usually start hunting well around 3. A great web site/forum is duckhuntingchat.com they have an awesome dog section and a whole lot of info good luck.

[wingnut]

agreed...3-4, at 2 they are just big puppies

[07OUTLAW]

I agree with what the others said, 3-4yo. is a good guess.


I (well my dad) had a black lab that finally left "puppy stage" behind him at about 12 He was a great dog, just a little off in the head

[99TONKATRUCK]

I have a chocloate female as well, she is now 7. She was started traing at age 8 months, and retrieved her first duck at 14 months. She became a great retriever at about 3 or so, and calmed down soon after that. The main thing is to keep her interested. The can lose track real early. And make it fun for her. I would keep some ducks frozen in the freezer for training. If she was losing interest i would bring those out and she would be right on track. Also kennel train her. Just remember she is a pup with lots of energy, so dont get frustrated. hope some of this helps

[KYStrokin]

Chocs are pups easily till their 4, all other colors i have had and been arround settel down at arround 2. Lets see some pics. I have had all colors, currentely hunting a yeallow.

[sawyer1]

Originally Posted by KYStrokin

Chocs are pups easily till their 4, all other colors i have had and been arround settel down at arround 2. Lets see some pics. I have had all colors, currentely hunting a yeallow.

My black is two and i wish you were right cause she bounces off the walls. Color doesnt have anything to do with how active they are its all genetics. Iv heard that yellows are slow and lazy choclates are hard headed and dumb. And blacks were good al around.I wonder what the sivers will be like.

[KYStrokin]

Silvers and red are not allowed by the akc, those colors are due to overbreeding.

[fordpwrstroke7]

I have a Weimaraner and she is pretty energetic. She's 3 right now and is a very good bird dog (dove, pheasant, quail). I don't duck hunt too often but when I do, she does the job. I got her professionally trained and she calmed down around 2 years old. Great dog.