Took the pluge and have a pup on the way! Advice needed...

Thanks guys! Great replies so far.

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Originally Posted by BDH

X2.... Join a club, learn form others on the training and socialization .Too many jump at impulse and do not research out the breeder, or realistically their own desire for a dog.

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Originally Posted by krakadawn

789,
here are many resources out there currently....google names like Hillman, Lardy, Graham for excellent media support materials re training retrievers. Check the Canadian National Retriever web site for clubs, contacts and when competitions are held that you may wish to visit to meet like minded folks.

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Lots of great advice so far and I would also like to encourage you to look into joining a Retriever Training club. I'm currently in the process of training my first lab and I am beyond grateful of the help and support of my local club. I've watched several of the different training program DVDs and read numerous books but nothing has been as helpful as getting out and training with more experienced handlers.

Some good websites to check out as some other members mentioned:
http://www.nrcc-canada.com/clubs.html
http://www.canadianhuntingdogs.com/forum.php
http://retrievertraining.net/forums/

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Originally Posted by Waftrudnir

So many have crate training as their top priority?
LOL
Call me selfish, but I want to spend some time with my dog!
Incarceration is not the convenient solution when you got yourself a dog and find out you don't have enough time for it.
Post #10 looks at it the positive way - and that's what it should be and not locking up a dog in a box!

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Absolutely.
If you work you need someone to come in at noon and take the dogs for a walk and some play time. Should not be crated all day. When you get home from work, pup should be out with you until bed time.

PS When you buy a crate get one with the divider. Pup should be able to stand up completely and turn around. More than that and pup will use the rest of the crate as a bathroom. As he grows , remove the divider.

Get a lot of chew toys in different shapes along with Bill Hillman "Training a retriever puppy" (day by day) DVD.
Regarding the food - buy the best one you can afford. I would suggest Acana.
Cheers & congrats on your new pup!

Nice to see you back Verno. :)

We pick up our new pup Jan 23. Thanks for all the info. Trying to get refreshed, as its been almost ten years since our last dog, about 20 years since he was a pup.

I will for sure look into joining a club. Anyone have any recommendations for a club located around the Peterborough or Durham Area?

HRC lake ontario they train in Port Perry

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Originally Posted by bellerivercrossbowhunter

Good point.

One thing I didn't mention is take your dog with you everywhere you go if possible. I have been doing this since she was a pup & she is very well behaved in the truck now. She either sleeps or stares out the window. I only crate when I am @ work & @ night so I can sleep & so she doesn't fight with the cat all night long... LOL

A friends dog get's sick in the car & high anxiety becaue they alays left her @ home. They can't take her anywhere... :(

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absolutely. bring the pup anywhere you possibly can, spend a good amount of time on obedience training and you will never regret having a well behaved dog that can read your mind...
regarding crates; I don't use one at all. all dogs had free range of the house. however, your home needs to be somewhat pet safe - especially until you know if your dog behaves just like as you are home or if he starts doing his own thing

http://www.nrcc-canada.com/clubs.html
http://www.canadianhuntingdogs.com/forum.php
http://retrievertraining.net/forums/

Awesome resources, Thanks!