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I about to be a first time owner of a hunting dog. I am pretty sure that I want a started dog to start with that way I'll have a good idea of what I'm training for in the next one. My question to yall would be what questions should I ask before getting a dog. I dog really want to run hunt tests and all that jazz, I just want a hunting buddy that will go pick up my birds for me and be obedient. I guess more or less just a meat dog. What should I be looking to spend on such a dog? Also can yall recommend some good books/dvds that I could be reading/watching before getting said dog? Sorry for all the questions just want to make sure I do everything right, and avoid kicking myself later for not asking.

Just to give an idea of some questions that I was thinking about, a few would be pedigree, weight "don't want a giant nor a runt", field trail experience, what kind of training routine does he use with the dog, is she steady to shoot, hips eyes and health clearances, guarantees? Is there any thing else that I missed? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Man my 2 cents worth on this is a dog is only going to be a good as the trainner. I spent $1500 on my white lab and he is a meat dog I don't run hunt test and all that. But i wanted a white lab so thats what I got with a very respectival ACK blood line. But I have a buddy that has a lab mix that is a jam up dog and didn't pay nothing for her. Blood line has got some to do with it but if you don't work with him he ant going to be no good.When ever I got my dog I read alot of stuff on line such as all the stuff on DU's website on dog trainning and another book I have at home just called retreiver trinning. And with that and a few tips from guys with dogs I have a pretty dang good dog and the best freind I ever had. And if you do get ya a dog pm me sometime I'm always looking for someone to train with.

Here is my 2 pennies...the fact that you are posting your question shows that you actually care what the end product will be...well as best you can tell across the interweb anyway...

genetics and health obviously play a big part in this and you need to research that as much as possible before you make a decision...be careful about the word "pedigree"...it can mean a BUNCH of different things to different people...

...you need to see the parents of any dog that you are considering if possible...if not at least talk to the owners of each parent and ask them as much as you can...if the owners are worth their weight they will not mind aswering all of your questions...in fact they should expect to if they care about their dogs and the breeding...if you get the feeling they don't have the time then stay away...

...you will want a dog that is "trainable"...that stays healthy...and is a Q U I E T dog in the blind with a good temperment around people...all of this you can find out just by talking to the people you plan to get a dog from...with Gus I bet I asked the guy I got him from AHUNERT questions and 25 of 'em were about how quiet the dam was in the blind...I wanted to make sure that the dog wouldn't be inclined that way...I have one already that is 13 years old that still makes noise when he gets wound up and it STILL drives me crazy but I didn't know or think about that kind of thing back then...


...take the time to do your homework 'cause this is a life investment here...something that will more than likely become bigger than just a "huntin" dog...a bunch of time and money will be invested make sure you get what you want...


...after you get a dog find a decent training program to follow one that is good for the dog as well as you and have fun...you don't have to run tests or trials but find a book with a developed program and stick with it...just don't set yourself any time tables take your time and make your training a long term goal thing......you might want to look at getting the book "FINISHED DOG: A Complete Training Manual for the Finished Hunting Retriever" by Charles Jurney ... (and no goose I ain't kiddin') ... it is really an awesome book...it has some material related to this very topic and a ton more...just drink the koolaid and trust me...


have fun....


maybe that was more than 2 cents but it is still only worth the space I have taken here...good luck...

still waiting on someone to let me read their copy of that. cj is a good trainer, a good man, and luckily I can call him a good friend. Id like to read his book. hint hint. travis

My advice is to read Troy Williams post and realize what kind of investment you are making...both monetarily, physically and emotionally...