I just bought my first black lab about 4 weeks Ago. I have talked to several people and have had several different opinions as to when I should get the dog in the field. I hunt pheasant only and I don't see myself hunting duck anytime soon since I can't stand the taste.
My lab spends all day with me at work and then at home. I am fortunate that I can work with him on all the basics through out the day. He is one of the smartest dogs I have ever owned. I should tell you that Coby (my lab) is about 12 weeks now and he has been fetching, dropping on command, sitting, and staying and is close to being potty trained, but not quite yet. I took him out with a friend and I shooting clay pigeons yesterday. I kept him in the truck about a 100' away at first. The first shots he was kind of curious. After that it didn't phase him. I let him out of the truck and watched him as my friend shot. Still didn't phase him. And so, I went ahead and shot with him right by me. He stayed calm and didn't even flinch a muscle. So, that leads to the question as to when I might get him in the field. Are the pheasant to much for him at this age? Can I start him in the field next month? Any information is greatly appreciated?

Let your puppy be a puppy, wait until next year. A wounded rooster is far too much for a puppy to handle. If it spurs your pup you can forget upland hunting. Don’t rush; take the time to establish a strong foundation or you will spend the rest of the dogs life attempting to correct your mistakes. Get yourself a good book on training, read understand and follow the program, find a local Retriever club and join it.

Thank you for the information. A friend of mine had suggested that also and your comment confirms it for me. I won't hunt him until next year. Thanks again for the info!

Glad I could help, hope the two of you have some great years of hunting ahead.:wink: