Basic Training for a Hunting Lab

The Labrador retriever makes a useful assistant to the frequent hunter. The Labrador’s popularity has grown in the United States because the breed is easy to train and has a friendly disposition. A hunter who trains a Labrador for hunting has a companion both in the field and at home.

  1. History

    • The Labrador retriever, or Lab, originated in Newfoundland. In the early 1700's, the dogs worked with fishermen to haul fish carts and retrieve wayward fish. The dogs were known for their hardiness, loyalty and trainability. Labs soon became a popular hunting dog in early 19th-century England. Breeders focused on producing dogs with superior hunting traits rather than handsome physical attributes. Labs were used primarily for bird hunting. The qualities bred into the Lab have made them popular gun dogs.

    Traits

    • The ideal hunting Lab is loyal, friendly and eager to please. These traits make the Labrador very easy to train. The Lab is a good water dog with a short, water-repellent coat. The desire to retrieve is a universal trait in Labradors. The Lab has a soft mouth. He retrieves a fallen duck from a far distance and returns without causing damage to the bird. Labs are agile and hardy, making them ideal outdoor companions.

    Commands

    • Labs learn quickly. Training can begin as early as eight weeks of age. Many hunters begin by acclimating the dog to gunshot noise. A Lab that is gun-shy will not make a successful hunting dog, no matter how well she retrieves. The dog is also introduced to the sound of bird calls. A Lab puppy is familiarized with the scent of waterfowl while she learns basic obedience. Labs are trained to scent the bird to locate its final position. Basic training includes staying down and quiet for an extended period of time. A hunting Lab also learns to mark, or recall, the location of fallen birds and retrieve them when commanded.

    Benefits

    • Labs receive physical and mental exercise when training and hunting in the field. Both are beneficial to the dog’s well-being. The dog also receives companionship, which is important for a pack animal. The hunter acquires a hunting companion and helper. Instead of the hunter's spending hours locating and retrieving his ducks across the hunting ground, his Lab happily assists.

    Considerations

    • Labs make wonderful working dogs in a hunting situation. They also make wonderful family dogs because of their pleasant temperament. According to a 2009 ABC News report, the American Kennel Club ranked Labs the most popular dog in the United States for the 18th year in a row. According to AKC spokeswoman Daisy Okas, the Labrador retriever is one of the most versatile canine breeds.