Nothing can melt the heart of even the most seasoned veteran of field and stream like the sight of a Labrador retriever puppy. For those who have owned a Lab trained as a gun dog, their thoughts may turn to early mornings in the duck blind. For those who would like to own a Lab, the sight of that puppy brings visions of it riding beside them in the pickup truck. For those who have realized the dream of owning a Lab, the sight of that little puppy, its cute, fuzzy face, the inquisitive tilt to the head, those endearing blue-black eyes, and bent over ears, they might ask themselves, "What in the heck happened?"

Labrador Retrievers possess an outgoing personality, which will grow to match their robust frames. A Labrador's hearing and scenting abilities are on par with other sporting dogs. The Lab's eyesight, on the other hand is superlative. Their ability to mark where a bird falls is unequalled in hunting dog circles. It is something else though, that separates a Labrador retriever from other gun dogs. They are born with the instinct to retrieve. It will become the driving force in their lives. It may also be the thing that drives many of their owners crazy. Here are a few basic tips on starting out your Lab, which may help you from going a little nuts in the process. These suggestions hold true whether you want to raise a duck dog, or are happy launching tennis balls into the Animas.

Make sure that a Labrador retriever is really the right dog for you and your lifestyle. That Lab asleep on the floor of the local fly shop didn't necessarily start out that way. If you are prepared to spend the next two to three years without a single thing on your coffee table, or any breakable object within three feet of the floor, and if you like the lake shore better than your own back yard, then by all means pick out your favorite puppy and take him home.

Look within yourself and decide whether you are the laid back, live and let live, make up the rules as you go sort of person. If you are, then you'll be happier with a Golden retriever, not a Labrador retriever. Remember, Labs have a boundless enthusiasm. It makes them great to be around, but unless that enthusiasm is channeled into something constructive they will become the relative that you wished would go home.

Obedience training is an archaic term, the connotations of which many people today find unpleasant. Perhaps if it were called "Raise your dog to be the envy of all your friends," the courses would be full. Unpleasant sounding or not, obedience training is essential to the development of your dog, and it doesn't have to be unpleasant for you, or your dog. Keep school sessions short and then lengthen them as your dog's attention span grows. When you or your dog start to become frustrated, it is time to quit. Always end the time on a positive note. Choose something you know he can do to end the session, and praise him highly before releasing him to play.

Don't be afraid to consult a higher power when it comes to the gun dog training. One of the best books on the subject is "Retriever Puppy Training" by Loveland & Rutherford. (Search Cherylon Loveland on the net for many sites carrying their book.)

Remember to hug your Lab. He's going to grow to be your best friend.

(Mike Peterson is a local resident who has been a dog trainer and local hunting guide.)