Adult dog training for waterfowl questions

[AK_Skeeter]

You might listen to this podcast on fundamentals:
https://missskeeter.podbean.com/e/rational-retriever-training-five-fundamental-rules-and-why/

 

[Holocene]

Lots of great suggestions here, but the best are those that point you to a training system involving sets of books and/or DVDs. Let's keep it in perspective that there are lifetimes and libraries dedicated to training hunting dogs (random fact: The Cynegetica is the first known hunting literature ever and is largely dedicated to dog breeding and training).

Maybe check out some HRC events near you?

At a high level, my advice would be -- study, be patient with the pup and yourself, find others who are good at this dog training business, and consistent repetition. Consistent meaning a few times a day mostly every day of the year. Some will disagree. They are the ones making excuses in the duck blind about why their dog ate the bird, whines, plays tug a war, and etc. Oh, for force fetch I really like this article from Detla Waterfowl called "A Gentler Force Fetch." Was great for my Boykin spaniel. I've never trained an older dog but you could have a good shot with patience and consistency!

Good luck!