Getting my new Lab puppy out of Mississippi this weekend. I would love to send the dog off to a professional trainer, but do not find it to be a financially sound decision right now as I wont be hunting birds(dove/duck) but around 5-10 times per year.

My plan is to try and train the dog myself. I have never trained a gun dog before, but from what I hear, if you have the patience... it is possible for the amateur to conquer. I have picked up several books and seem to be getting good information. I am also heavily debating becoming a member of Cornerstone Gun Dog Academy(100% video based training program-- runs around $300 for all access with promo code), to help my cause.

Here is my question... are there any "gun dog clubs" in the state that have group training sessions etc? Any trainers that put on seminars? Or any informational resources that y'all found helpful in this same situation.

Thanks

There are several dog clubs but most are oriented to hunt tests or field trials. Some clubs have organized training days. Most of us that train dogs will welcome a newcomer to the group. Your location is the biggest factor in deciding which group to contact.

I am in the Montgomery area. Where would I find the information for the clubs you are talking about?

Most of the clubs will have their hunt tests listed on either Entry Express or Hunt Secretary. Tuscaloosa/Greensboro area is Black Warrior AKC and Central Alabama HRC. I am active in both but we haven't had a formal training day in some time. The members train often and you would be welcome but it would be a long drive from Montgomery. North Alabama HRC & AKC are in the Huntsville area and do hold formal training days on a regular basis. Lower Alabama AKC and Bay Area HRC are in the Mobile area. There is a Montgomery field trial club but I know little about the club.

You might find a local training group by posting on the Retriever Training Forum. Wish I knew of an active trainer in your area but I don't.

Check out www.theretrievertrainer.com
Membership is $60 a year and it's full of training videos that will take you from puppy training to a finished dog. It's run by Freddy King.

Total Retriever Training 2 by Mike Lardy

this^^^^

I also know a guy close to you that is very good. PM me if you want his information and you can talk to him. To me, I sacrificed and paid to have my dog trained up to the point of force fetching. I did the rest myself. The key is consistency, patience, and making time every day. My dog was a much better dog than I was a trainer.

Dr. B

I would definitely say to go ahead and get Cornerstone Gundog Academy. It has been worth every penny for me so far. Plus, the founders of it live in Warrior AL and make themselves very available for questions.