Are YOU on the hunt for a retriever this year??

Just out of college and would love to get a retriever but just don’t have the space right now, but soon

I have a self trained 2yr old yellow male that is a dragon!!! when hunting and laid back around the house. I also have a 6 month old black female I’m training now she is picking up on a lot of his traits, which is good. Love hunting with the dogs they add a another dimension to hunting.

Health clearances are important! Over the past 35 years, I've been blessed with 8 wonderful hunting labs and enjoy their daily company and training. Much of that satisfaction would be lost if I sent the dog to a pro. I enjoy training to the Master Hunter level and summers in Alaska are wonderful for retriever training. One potential problem is not getting a pup for more than a year. For example, since we live in Alaska I usually get a spring pup and want a female lab. Found a scheduled litter, put down a deposit and number 2 on "the list". Only 1 female in the litter, so have to repeat the process the next spring. I typically start looking for a pup when my youngest is 5 years old, that way if it takes 1-3 years to get the pup, not a big deal.

I think you'll have fun doing this series, and I'm sure you realize just how many questions there are to ask and how much material there is to cover. I'm fortunate as a breeder, pro-trainer, and waterfowl guide to see so many different aspects. The Brit x American is always an interesting conversation. There are both good and bad in each gene pool, and very different personalities amongst them as well. I love the "off-switch" of most UK-bred dogs, which is why I've had them for so long (currently four generations on site). However, many breeders ignore prey drive, physical, and mental toughness that we need as daily guides. I think that's where we've set ourselves apart, in that ours have that extra gear to get them through long days and long seasons. You're not too far from us, and I'd like to invite you to spend a few hours in the kennel and around my dogs. I can give you my insight on the topic, and maybe it will help some of your viewers in their search. Not looking for an endorsement or advertising...I'm generally booked out 6-months in advance for training, and some of my puppy clients have held out for over a year. I just feel I'm in a very small minority that understands breeding, training and hunting with world-class retrievers and the hectic and stressful world of a waterfowl guide. And to the guy that thinks it's cheating if you don't train your own gun dog...is it cheating that I didn't build my own house??? We can't all be carpenters or dog trainers!

I looked at dogs for several months, and breeders. I knew what type of dog I was looking for behavior and personality wise, a dog that was compatible with my personality. I finally settled on a pup from Cochran British Labs. I couldn't be happier with my pup. Color was not an issue with me.

Thanks Joel ! This is going to be a very interesting series 😊‼️

This is such an informative video! This might help our clients who just recently bought land near the hunting area. We'll start sharing your channel with them. Thanks for sharing 😊

I breed my own dogs. It's very important to choose the dog that fits how you hunt. I currently have Newfie lab crosses because if there size and ability to break ice along with swimming capability. My dogs also start training before 8 weeks old. It's also key to DNA and health test dogs to make sure they are clear of anything that could cut there life or hunting career short.

Great video Joel. Thanks for the update and info on Zoey. I misunderstood the "borrow" or "loan" of Zoey. I'm very happy she a chance to hunt with you and spend time with your family. I'm also completely understanding and supportive of understanding what we expect and need as an owner. Anyway.. God Bless..

Training your own dog vs. a pro training it is like shooting a Bull Elk from 500 with a gun vs. 15 with a recurve. It’s a rewarding experience both for the owner and dog. The bond built is strong and lessons learned priceless and the end product is a result of your capabilities. Down side to either is loosing man’s best friend. Best wishes and my deepest condolences to you and your family sir.

My pup came from Dark Timber Kennels. He’s 5. I trained him myself. He’s nowhere near master hunter level. But I’ve only lost 6-7 birds hunting over him in the last 3 seasons. Jason breeds amazing dogs!

Just found your channel thanks to Steve at TFL LOOKING FORWARD TO WATCHING YOUR VIDEOS This was a super video Thanks

Dogs blow my mind! love to see your passion. Sorry for your loss. We had to put our first dog down 8 months ago. He was a 15.5 yr old Border Collie. In that time I went from borderline scared of dogs to professional dog trainer. This time round we decided to get a black lab because of a neighbours dog that was a sweetheart. Couldn’t be happier. Amazing Video with amazing information. From a trainers viewpoint the best 3 tips I can give anyone with a new pup is this: 1) Don’t underestimate how much they can learn at a young age. Blows my mind now that I see what my pup can do at 6 months and honestly I didn’t even try that hard. He’s awesome! 2) Don’t tell them “It’s ok” when they’re scared. Get them refocused and work them through there fears. 3) The runt of the litter can be a great dog but they can also have more health issues. The highest energy dog can be great for a guy like Joel here but most ppl don’t know what to do with a high energy hunting dog. If you hunt 2 weeks a yr then you need to know what to do to keep your pup happy the other 50 weeks. Awesome video and can’t wait to meet your new pup…. but like you and your wife, I will. 😊

Love your videos. Our Ruby pasted away three years ago. She was a natural. I want to get a duck and pheasant dog. My wife and I will soon be empty nesters’s. I can’t wait to watch your videos threw this process. I plan on hunting more, so the timing of your series’s will definitely help me choose and train the right dog. God bless.

Thanks for the great content. I unlike you prefer black female labs. This is my 3rd one,all hold a special place in my heart. I have trained all myself for what I want them to be. Each dog had different challenges but in the end with hard work and help from others they all have turned out to great companions and hunting partners. I certainly couldn’t imagine not ever having one. Only wish they didn’t have to go away so fast,the heartache never is easy.

Good mentioning the lower drive dogs. I love duck hunting but unfortunately my job doesn't allow me to hunt as much as I would like to. I only get one or 2 days a week usually. I'm not ready for a dog yet but assuming I don't get a new job, because I actually do enjoy my job even though it has it's disadvantages, I won't need a dog with that much drive

I have a almost two year old golden. Sent him to trainer at 6 months. He is very calm and was easy to train says my trainer. He is a big boy and he flew through training. Struggled with steadying. Trainer said take him hunting (dove) then he said give me him back free of charge before duck season to maybe help. Some dogs he had in his program flew through training but didn’t have the drive when hunting. Then some who didn’t do well then were great retrievers. The trainer fixed him on steadying in a few weeks or month before ducks. Each hunt my boy has improved. The first day of hunting dove and his first ever hunt I had him in a shady spot in a corn field. He was shaking with all the shots going on. I unclipped him from his tie down and he heeled and sat with me not leaving my side. I got him a few birds and some tough ones I had to kinda guide him to go get and find. By the afternoon he was strutting his stuff. Same on the ducks but not afraid of the shots bc we didn’t have as many guys for ducks and not as many shots going off. He is a big golden but at home he is the biggest lap dog ever. People ask and he is a hunting dog? Yes and the most laid back at the house. His sister is 3 same parents different litter. She is scared of everything. He is goofy but smart. The trainer said everyday at his kennel his dogs do obedience everyday and multiple times a day. He starts his gun program for two weeks doing obedience only. Then once he or her advances obedience still but then on bumpers and birds. While one day I’d like him to advanced to some signals. But then again when I shoot I want him to do his job. The trainer says you want to make it fun for the dog where they think it’s not a job. So happy I found the trainer who was only hour drive away so I could go work with my dog. The trainer also wanted his clients to work other peoples dogs on all levels to get a feel for every obstacle and characteristics. It was pricey but the food and the meds were included in the training price. My boy hank also got to go to ny during the summer to get out of the sc heat to go watch some of the trainers other personal and clients dogs do tests and train at his friends kennel up in my. No extra charge! Loneduck kennels top notch kennels as well. I got a great deal and a good hunting companion.

I spent two years looking bought from trainer left the dog to be finished had a great season going back for tune up this year travel for work and think it was best money spent

You should look into Ace’s Retrievers in Kiln, MS

I trained my own dogs and had the last one professionally trained. The price to buy wingers, birds and etc made it cheaper for me to have him trained. I have been to numerous hunt tests where the other breeds wouldn't go into the water. So I stick with labs. I choose a versatile line from the performance of the parents. Good luck to you, pray for an all yellow litter.

My current dog is a black lab but my heart lies with the color of my first gun dog a chocolate named mud. He was the easiest dog ever to train. 10 min and the dog had it knew and would do it and repeat it. He was a true rockstar and hunted till 13 yrs old

Training my 1yo CBR to hunt and hunt tests. He is my 4th chessie. He has a pedigree that I do not deserve and he is amazing. Have gone slow since his readiness would have been too soon for last season. It is a big commitment to train your own dog. Breed does make a difference in the way you train. It has It has been a great journey thus far. "Preacher" will be ready for this "22-23 season.

I have a British Yellow Lab. She came from a Kennel who specialized in Pheasant labs (high energy small dogs) with calm dispositions. My dog works great for my lake hunting where she can swim all day but is calm in the blind. Her size is perfect for getting in and out of the boats and kayaks. I'm not sure she would keep up with your crew but I did spend some money to get what I wanted...a family dog that hunts well.

Can you do videos on Practice your shooting skills either it be 5 stand or skeet shooting or trap shooting. And what to look for and how to shoot better.

Very informative video. I am fortunate enough to have finally find a yellow female last month. I waited 4 years for this litter to happen. My goal for her is to put a Grhrch title on her. Convincing my wife that we need a 3rd dog was a challenge. One suggestion I would have for anyone looking at getting a retriever is to join a HRC club. You will have access to friendships, knowledge, equipment and opportunities to better yourself as a handler. It gives you a chance to be around like-minded individuals who share a passion for waterfowl and retrievers. I can’t wait for the next part of the dog series.

Might be looking this year or toward next spring.

You make some good videos buddy

In you opinion which makes the better dog the British labs or the American labs I have a British yellow

Joel, I dont think it's cheating to send a dog to the trainer. I feel like while I envision myself as someone wanting to put in the time and create that bond, I simply don't have all the time and knowledge that dog would need. My big worry though is, do you lose out on that precious learning/bonding time by sending them awa and have that built with someone else. Does it affect the relationship when its time to come home?

Blazing Red Kennels in Ohio by Carolyn Elam! She has an upcoming litter and they come from amazing lines with health clearances.

I would not agree that there is NO satisfaction in using a professionally trained dog. I love watching any GOOD dog work whether it is a pointer, setter, retriever or even hound. There is no doubt that there is MORE satisfaction in watching a dog you have personally trained. But a good dog is a good dog. We have 2 rescued greyhounds right now. I enjoy watching them just run. That is what they are bread for. The male loves my wife. I have never seen a dog love a single person more than he does his mama. So no duck dog for me right now. But when he crosses the rainbow bridge we will definitely be looking at a new duck dog that we will train. We have trained 2 with the book Water Dog and had great success with both. I look forward to watching and learning from your upcoming videos. Good luck on your "hunt" for your next companion.

Chessie's for the Win! They're more analytical than a lab. That is often mistaken for stubbornness. They are strong-willed, hardy, and will actually protect you & your family. Best breed hands down. Look at a deadgrass Chessie if you are think something yellowish

Having a pro trainer big plus. It takes a lot of time an repetition in training a dog. Having a person to set up land series in morning an water series in the afternoon each day is hard for a person that also works. Also spending time with the trainer yourself helps bond you an your dog together.

Do you know of somebody or have experience with hunting poodles or doodles? Also how do you feel about using shock collars? Do they have a use that is vital or do you think they aren’t good because of what they can negatively to a dog?

Check out Whistling Wings Kennel’s Union Grove Alabama. Great dogs from England and Ireland and great training program to get them started.

I purchased my first real hunting dog last September. I picked her up at 8 weeks old in October. It took many months to find what I want. I wanted a smaller dog that can be a house dog 8 months of the year, and a weekend warrior with me for the other 4 months. I wanted a yellow, but a black stole my heart. At 6 months she got to go to the trainer. I am there learning just as much as she is on the weekends. It is not cheating to get the dog you want, however you can. I am not located where I can train her properly. She needed to be trained by a pro. She is half American lab, half British lab. Extremely high drive when live birds are in play, very sensitive when being corrected. She is special. She still has some time to spend at the trainer, but she has impressed him to the point where he is trying to talk me into hunt competitions. Take your time. Find the dog that is perfect for you, and your family. Good luck.

Try souther oak . Varton ramsey claims his are super chill at home and beas in the field .👍

Training my yellow lab right now!

I really prefer the longer videos!

Is there some place that handles the dogs that are no longer able to handle the load of a guide service

What’s a fair price for training or having your dog trained.

I am not a dog trainer, and don't have the time to train one... having a professionally trained dog is NOT cheating, it is giving your dog the knowledge and skills necessary to make time in the field more enjoyable... I love hunting with a dog, but there's not much worse than being in the marsh with a dog that doesn't know what they're supposed to be doing, or are not well behaved.

Goldens don't really get good for about 4ish years. Boykins struggle in tall grass. Chessie's & Labs. Tollers are cool and pretty, but lack the strength in current as the bigger two.

i don't think getting a trained dog is cheating for me it would come down to, do you have the time to train a pup? if not then yes buy a trained dog, and do i have the time to train a dog? and build something from the ground up. then yes get a pup and train him yourself. good luck finding the right dog joel always looking forward to your next video 👍

Check out Wildrose kennels in Mississippi. Top notch and exactly what you seem to be looking for

I don't feel that using a trainer is cheating at all. Having said that I have trained my first lab from books I've read or videos I've seen, I really enjoy training her but also realize that what's holding her back is not her but ME! She does what I require of a hunting dog/family dog, with my enjoyment from watching her I think for some of us the best bet might be to find a trainer that would train us (especially me) So the dog could perform up to it's fullest potential! Having said that I also realize that if a trainer were to just train owners then they would potentially be out of business.

Most of the trainers I talk to are breeding the ultra high drive dogs that are tough for the average guy to handle. If you hunt 25 days a year over small water, shoot 6-10 ducks per day and consider the companionship of the dog just as important as how the dog hunts, where do you go to find the dog that fits that description?

I have a Wildrose lab and is the greater gentleman hunter

Not wanting help or seeking help is an insane statement. Training your dog NEVER ends and the kennel I use for my dogs and to do their force fetch/collar conditioning is headed by a lady that has bred Labradors exclusively and trained them for 40 years. Why would I not use her expertise?! Also I’m in a Retriever club that hosts and helps wirh hunt tests. That’s right! Owning a dog has an off season. It’s the best part of duck hunting. It’s not limits (although great) but watching your best friend come into their own and do what they were made to do. It’s a 24/7 365 job. If you don’t want that make a friend who has a dog or pick up your own birds

Hi Joel, I'm planning a few yellow litter's if you'd like to take oa look...I'm in NE Ohio Deb Semko

If your looking for a good dog breeder and good pedigree contact Stuart Young last chance wings and labs. My dog Remi came from there and she was excellent but she is retired now due to her being 14 years old.

you should be more famous

Training with your Dog / Dog trainer is important. So that you get trained also.

The average guy doesn’t have nearly enough time to hunt let alone train a duck dog, But to have your family miss out on the puppy stage that’s a tough sell! I would prefer to buy one that just trained as a puppy, that’s not cheating to me

Correct me if I'm wrong, but have you mostly owned female hunting dogs? Is there a reason why you prefer female dogs?

Just barely got a golden retriever.

Training your own dog is like building your own race car vs buying a Lamborghini. There is a certain satisfaction and pride in building your own car but it takes an insane amount of time and know-how to build a car that can out run a lambo. If you don't have the time, commitment or know-how then have your dog trained or you will hate the dog because it doesn't perform. I think the poor training/hate the dog scenario plays out far more often with upland game birds (pointers) than retrievers just by the nature of the breeds.

if you don't want to train your own dog, thats fine. I think training your own dog makes you more proud when you see them accomplish what they were trained to do successfully, fruit of your labor and what not. But if you don't think you could do it correctly, better to have them trained correctly than to stick to your guns and poorly train them.

Sorry about your dog. My yellow lab saved my young child’s life by not letting him go near a small creek. Son was 2 and was headed for the creek when my stupid self turned my attention to something else for a split second. I ran out back looking for him and saw my lab laying down in front of him. When he moved she moved to block him. Rip Ginger, you did great….

And I guess that individual uses his own hand crafted shotgun? Because no "real" duck hunter would would use anything created, trained, or manufactured by another......looking forward to move videos on this topic.

Love the channels. You sound like you prefer females. Why? I have both but I like females myself

For goodness sake, don't buy or pass on a dog for color. That's silly. (Unless of course it's chocolate...never buy a chocolate)

Hello sir. I sent you a pm on Facebook it’s not really what you are looking for but you might give it a look.