I was watching the Super Retriever Series on ESPN2 this morning and was wondering if anyone here competes?

"If I can just get my back feet right smack dab on the pool's edge, I can really get some distance Dad ... watch this" ...

I saw that show too for the first time ever! I am extremely intrigued however I do not think I have a lab for that, besides the fact I do not hunt...nor does my boyfriend. Although I have had an interested party in my dog (with hunting) and would actually love it for him to learn, however my lab would probably rather blow the whistle and watch me run for the ducks which is not going to happen. He has an awesome prey drive as I read in another post. I was watching the show and all the negatives (cannot remember the term they used) against the labs. They did fine to me...hee hee But I am not the judge so my opinion does not count huh? Very interesting show. I will look for it again.

LOL luvforlabs! The dog handling you would be something to watch!

So, do you compete in the SRS Nevada Jim?

argh argh :rofl: quite true! my dog is very manipulative but HE does listen to ME...when he not saying "screw you" I am doing what I want. But he always comes back to me, with his head low, ears folded in, you know the way they do it when they have done something bad.....I will say bad dog and then give him a big ole sloppy kiss on his chops....is THAT is confusing or what!! Hee Hee

oh yeah, and that poor old dawg...he could not hear his handler from that far distance. only 10 years old I believe. Hmmmm, male dog? doesn't hear? I don't believe it is just a "old dog" thing...no offense of course....:dance:

I would love to get Montana into something like this. He is an amazing jumper (but aren't most labs?)! I should be taking him to a local state owned park to try out swimming next week. And after his puppy classes I would love to check out some hunting and field training. Any suggestions?
Melissa

As contradictory as this may seem to those who've seen my Cappy's enthusiasm, I actually work to discourage him making BIG ENTRIES into the water except for our pool or the pond that we usually hunt.

Why? Whenever we hunt unfamiliar waters, there is always the threat of submerged or otherwise not visible dangerous objects just below the surface. You'll not want to hear this but I've personally seen two Labs virually impaled on sharp sticks, and another time on a piece of concrete with reinforcing bar sticking out of it. My vet has shown me surgical pics of a Golden that was partially eviscerated when diving onto a submerged and unseen snag.

If you KNOW that the water is free of danger and is safe, I guess it's ok. But it's hard for the dawg to distinguish when it's ok and when it's not. You've seen Cappy's pool entries, here's a typical retrieve entry at our pond, especially if the duck is not dead-on-the-water (a "cripple" as they are called) ...

As often as we hunt that water, and it's flooded pasture that I know like the back of my hand, I still walk the edges from the bank out to 25 feet or more from shore (less than 24" deep) all the way around it from the blind side just to make sure that nothing has somehow gotten in there during the off season.

Another great picture Nevada Jim - I can ahrdly tell where Cappy is. I'm so glad you watch out for him and make sure everything is safe and I know that he's there for you too!