keg Posted November 29, 2011 Report Share Posted November 29, 2011 Evening all, We will be getting a rescue lab in the next few weeks ( Early Jan) and it will probably be between 1-3 years old. We will not know what sort of training it will have had other than house training. Will it be too late to start training the dog in any shape or form?. A complete newbie, will be happy with a family pet but want to take him/her shooting. Thanks Tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arwen3513 Posted November 30, 2011 Report Share Posted November 30, 2011 I don't think it is too late, once a dog has bonded with a new owner they quickly learn the new routine, which may be compeletly different, they will usually try to please you and suss out your weaknesses i.e. comfy sofa........ start training a few basics, and once responding try new lessons. the dog will enjoy the interaction and look forward to the training. it will likely be hard work undoing some ingrained traits such as spitting a retrieve / ball out at your feet, as most pet dogs are encouraged to do this so the handler can pick it up with a ball thrower (just as an example) good luck with your new dog jan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bi9johnny Posted November 30, 2011 Report Share Posted November 30, 2011 big thing is be patient with it dont rush it will come good in the end ....got mine at 7 months and we had him 8 weks now and he is now showing a good bond and wanting to please so training is a pleasure good luck mate and enjoy it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WGD Posted November 30, 2011 Report Share Posted November 30, 2011 I would look again at your proposal to, as a novice handler, take on a dog with potential behavioural problems and overcome not only these issues but then train for the field. It can be done, no question about it, but is far from being an ideal route to owning a gundog. Just my thoughts and meant with the best of intentions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris o Posted November 30, 2011 Report Share Posted November 30, 2011 I agree with wgd. It is possable but for your first working type dog be it either a pet and gun dog or just a gun dog it is always easier getting from pup. Worst mistake you could make is expecting to much to soon. And with it being a rescue dog dont push it to hard and build a strong bond between you and dog. Good luck chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
straightbarrel Posted November 30, 2011 Report Share Posted November 30, 2011 (edited) There are other things to consider as well as the training issues but if it's a rescue it will be cheap enough to purchase. Take someone that has a bit of experience with dogs, gundogs, gundog training, have a good look at it and ask if you can take it on a short trial basis before making a decision. Things to consider- http://forums.pigeonwatch.co.uk/forums/index.php?/topic/185496-good-or-bad-idear-to-get-lab-from-rspca/ Edited November 30, 2011 by straightbarrel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.