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So let's get started:
1. Gun Position: I often ask new-comers about the position their gun should be in on their first few hunts with their new trained retriever. I get a kick out of all the answers I get such as; it should be pointed away from the dog, and in the hand opposite the side the dog is on, to just all sorts of responses. While these have merit for later adventures, it's just not the answer I'm seeking from them. YOUR GUN SHOULD BE AT HOME locked away safely in your gun cabinet! That's right... You're not shooting today or for several more hunts with your dog. You have your most trusted sniper with you to knock down birds while you keep your hands on your dog and point out falling birds to him. In fact, I always take a wooden "dummy" gun with me to point out the birds that are hit and on the way down. He had this done for him in training, and this morning it's no different. He's here this morning looking for people hidden in the brush who usually throw birds for him. You will have to point out now that they can also come from the sky. Plus he won't develop a bad breaking habit, since your other hand has the e-collar and heeling stick in it to enforce the "sit" command while shots ring out. And if he's gets too worked up, you can just resort to holding him by the collar with that free hand until he gets the hang of it. He sure is lucky to have someone who loves him enough to teach him while setting aside their own desires in a hunt.
2. Two's Company, More is a Crowd: Have you ever been out to one of our training days and witnessed 5 or 6 shotguns going off at the same time as birds are thrown from wingers and helpers? I don't think so. That's not how you train young gun dogs. I can't think of a faster way to make a young
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