Read and re-read SmartFetch by Evan Graham. Also, Training Retrievers to Handle by D.L. Walters. Great info in both books. You should also find a local HRC or AKC club and train with some members or find a good pro that will help you out. Good luck!

Depends on how much time, patience and money you have...

Go with what your vet tells you. Keep em' on the lean side the first couple of years while the bones are growing. Lean, not skinny. Also, make sure to feed the good stuff. Sh*t in...sh*t out, ya know? Good luck!

You're right. A dog that's properly FF'd will retrieve no questions asked. If your dog isn't FF'd, then it would definitely fix this problem. Also, as advised already, make sure to use plenty of birds in training.Good luck!

If you decide on a Boykin, pm me here. I can hook you up with an excellent pro/breeder here in SC.

I agree. Six months is usually too young. Wait till the pup is ready physically, mentally AND emotionally before you start. Just because their permanent teeth are in doesn't necessarily mean its time to FF. Good luck!

Find a reputable pro nearby and ask if he needs any help. Throw birds, air dogs, heck clean kennels if you have to. Do whatever it takes and I'm sure the pro will help you with your dog. Good luck!

I agree totally. My ex-hunting buddy's dog broke and whined NONSTOP! Every time we turned around (to put out or p/u decoys) he was trying to mount my BLF. I asked nicely. I dropped hints. I now have another hunting partner. A retriever can, and should, be trained to sit still and quiet in the blind ...

If he's learned sit means sit until told otherwise have him sit in front of you and walk a few feet away. Put your hand out for whichever side you want him to heel on. Give him a tug with the leash and say 'heel.' Guide him into position, sit him down and tell him he's the world's greatest dog ...

Nothern Virginia, eh? I lived up in Faquier County for a little while. Between Fredericksburg and Warrenton.

Just found this forum. Hope you all don't mind a SC boy trying to learn a few things about duck hunting from you all. Even though there aren't any ducks here. I've been duck hunting for years and finally decided its time to quit. I'm ready to try duck killin' for a change! Thanks in advance and ...