10/02/2026
I made this post almost 10 years ago. I still get these same calls regularly and the answer is still the same
So you just got a new puppy.
I get calls all the time from people that just got a new puppy to become their hunting partner. They all ask what can I do to get them started and this is what I always tell them. First and foremost less is more. They are just a puppy and you should allow them to be just that, a puppy. That being said you can still begin molding the future duck dog but in a fun playful way.
Retrieves- One of the best is a soft toy or a rolled up sock in a hallway doing just a few short retrieves always leaving them wanting more. You should do this in a hallway because they can't run off and most always bring the item back to you. When they return to you make a big deal about it. Let them know you are happy they brought you something. As they get older start making the retrieves bigger. Use a long leash to always encourage returning to you with the retrieve item. Don't allow retrieving to become a game of chase.
Socialization-Besides encouraging the retrieve behavior socializing is very important. Once the puppy is safely vaccinated start taking them as many places as possible. Let them meet people, other animals, and encounter various terrain. I take my puppies on nature walks have them go over logs and run through tall grass. The more exposure while young and fearless the better. If the water is warm I will wade out into a pond with them and let them learn to swim. Never throw the puppy in that can cause them to be afraid of water. During times of socialization encourage puppy to be bold. Comforting a puppy when they are being fearful is only encouraging that negative behavior.
Gunfire -this is where most people mess up. Don't worry about your puppy being afraid of gunfire. Taking them to a shooting range or leashing them up to the s***t thrower only creates this issue. Gunfire is better introduced later on in training in a positive way through associating it with retrieving. You can try the other methods but it fails more than it is successful.
House manners- No means NO and stop what you are doing. They hear that one a lot. If one of our puppies has something they shouldn't we don't make a big deal just simply take it away tell the No and give them something they can have. Animals live in the moment so if your dog destroys something and you don't catch them in the act punishing them will not teach a lesson. When house training your puppy accidents are usually your fault not theirs. We don't keep food or water down at all times for the reason that after eating or drinking they usually need to go out soon after. By controlling this it makes teaching the puppy to go outside easier and how to let you know when they need go out.
Formal retriever training shouldn't begin until the puppy is around 6-7 months old and all of their adult teeth are in. Up till then keep it fun if puppy doesn't want to retrieve today go for a walk instead. There are many factors that can effect their day to day behavior. Growth spurts make them tired. Teething makes them not want to pick things up. Let your puppy learn at their own pace and don't rush them into the hunting blind until ready. If anyone has any questions feel free to message me.
