So glad to hear that! Everyone deserves to hunt behind a reliable retriever!

Thanks for the suggestion. I have a series with advice for raising a 3-6 month old Deutsch Drahthaar (kzbin.info/aero/PLiQscgF-s4qhZg85L3CULBGi9lZjZ62EV). I don't know that there is a lot to cover that would be different between an 8-week old puppy and a 12-week old puppy so I would recommend that you watch my 3-Month Old puppy video at kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnWyaZqdmbmGoLssi=S8wYWF6sAi8C_Zpr. Is there something specific you need help with training? Otherwise, here is what I have written in my syllabus (and what is covered in my video) for training to do with a 3-Month-Old Puppy (which could all also be started with an 8-week old puppy): General Manners - Teach pup his name - House-breaking - Crate-training - Must be quiet in his crate before you ever let him out - Must wait to be released from his crate - Get pup used to you handling his ears, paws, and muzzle (looking at his teeth) - The easiest time to do this is when he is sleepy - No jumping on people or biting - No jumping on furniture - No playing with other dogs in the house General Obedience - Sit, Stay, Down, Come, and Heel - Once the puppy knows Down, introduce them to Halt - Teach a release command (like a tap on the back of the head) - Must wait to be released from a sit/down command - Must sit and wait to be released to go inside/outdoor - Must wait to be released from crate - Must wait to be released for meals Retrieving in the House - Reinforce “sit” every time the pup comes back - Reward the pup with food every time he brings you a toy Intro to Water/Swimming - Only if weather conditions allow - should be a fun positive experience - Use Cheetos, pheasant wing, or other enticing piece of game to get pup swimming/retrieving Intro to Using the Nose - Take pup for regular walks in the fields/woods Intro to Thawed Game for Retrieves Intro to Drags