How To Buy & Train A Labrador Retriever Puppy To Go Hunting Sometimes

[@StonnieDennis]

Are you a fan of my training style, but can’t travel to Kentucky to see me in person? No worries! I offer an awesome online dog training course, which includes access to an array of exclusive videos and content, personalized coaching, journaling, and in-depth mentoring and evaluation by yours truly! If you just need some an advice or have a couple questions you need answered, I also offer professional consulting by the hour. Both of these great services can be found here: www.kentuckycanine.com Thank you all for your remarkable support over the years! I cannot express enough how grateful I am for your appreciation and patronage of this channel, my training style, and my kennel. Always remember, it’s a great day for a puppy-sized adventure

[@j.hueston4370]

I have always thought that you start off with good breeding, then it is up to you to bring out that dog's potential. To enforce the retrieving instinct, I have tried to start as soon as possible and as fun as possible. Once the dog knows what you want and it is fun to do, then look out. That dog will become a fetching machine. Love your channel. Still like yellow labs more though.

[@flipverdict9982]

Kung

[@chadengebretson3559]

I do a little breeding with field trial bred british labs. I've never once said or thought mine are the best. I simply tell people why I like them and why they are a good fit for me. And if that matches them then my dogs might be a good fit.

[@logannewman4532]

I've always had luck finding a family with a pair of loved dogs. Papers are great but ultimately don't matter. I got Hank for $500 and when I went to pick him up I was surprised with an unlimited registration. When I went to see the litter a month prior I was taken to a sanitized laundry room where mom was nursing and dad was standing to the side. Didn't approach mom but dad was happy to get some pets (nice demeanor). As I was speaking with the breeder one curious pup stopped nursing to come and check out the stranger. Hank chose me. Maybe a bit sappy but he's been my buddy for 8 years.

[@SJ-le2vc]

My Zeus also picked me. I couldn't have picked better.

[@johnkelly4043]

Great tribute to Henry. I can tell how much history, loyalty and chemistry you two have. He's a great old boy. :-)

[@Mitch_Ryder]

Look around that yard…. Stonnie’s the epitome of men who love Gear. 👍🏽

[@StonnieDennis]

I like to think of myself more along the lines of a minimalist…

[@Mitch_Ryder]

😂

[@gladysnajar2254]

Hey women like gear too😂😊

[@judymiller5154]

Hubby works fulltime construction. I'm 76 and retired. We are about to pick up an 8 mo yellow male from a top field/hunt breeder. Pup is kennel-raised, not house-broke, crate-trained for car trips, easily did about 10-12 retrieves and ready for more, no formal training. Recipe for disaster? Really bad place for a young American Lab? Nope! I jog 4 miles most mornings and have busy days of outdoor work. We have 6 A in the mountains with a very large fenced yard and another couple acres field-fenced for horses and 2 shooting ranges. Both of us have trained multiple dogs - hubby duck hunting, me obediance and bench competition. With Uncle Stonnie's great encouragement, we are ready for this next great adventure! ❤️🐶❤️

[@kimberlygates4488]

Good luck!

[@judymiller5154]

@kimberlygates4488 thank you but that pup did not work out and we returned him. what was glossed over as a minor problem with ME sadly turned out to be a deal-breaker. We bought a 50/50 black female who has been a delight. Yes, the first year was "brutal" as to her exercise, training, and care, but at 18 months she is a perfect fit and a delight.

[@dariuspringle2608]

Sometimes we lose sight of the fact “ the only expectation is to bring a little bit of joy into each other’s day” 50 plus quality minutes with Stonnie!

[@GB1234-s2]

“To bring a little bit of enjoyment to our day” Henry is a great dog

[@silasmarner7586]

My new lab puppy and I go on two 45 minute walks daily - and yes the lowering temps have raised her actiivty levels!

[@StonnieDennis]

Nice!

[@DoggyU]

I loved your demo with Henry. I have an old cow dog who is 13 and had provided me many years of successful competition, use as a demo dog, and trick shows. He lives by his own rules at this point and I meet him where he deserves to be met after a long working career together. Love to see that

[@jason.couture7177]

The Down/Stay of the 3 in the back was phenomenal.

[@rebeccaoliver7977]

Henry wondering why old Stonnie can't stand properly facing the target field from the get-go. That wagging tail when Stonnie finally figured it out was precious. King Henry.

[@grandpa_eric]

Stonnie, all the best to you and your family. This video made us laugh out loud, and then made my wife cry at the end with the perfection of Mr. No Name balanced by Henry at the end in his golden years. Words of wisdom throughout. We appreciate you all. Thank you.

[@RatdogDRB]

So many good dogs there. Those youngsters are lucky to have the old guard there to show 'em the ropes. It's nice to see how the various generations of dogs do their things. Especially ol' Henry. Henry says: "Dad, you taught me how to be efficient. I know which way to face to be ready to work. I'm ready when you are, Dad." What a grand ol' feller he is. No Name, he's a rock star and he knows it. Rico's wanting to be just like the big dogs. George is like: "So, THIS is what we do, eh?" And, little Molly, she's just too cute. I like your approach when searching for the right pup. It's good to affirm to the breeder that you've heard they have some great dogs, and you're searching for one that matches this set of criteria. I think that sets the stage for the breeder to show you how good he is, and his pups.

[@n-9249]

That last retrieving with Henry was hilarious, beautiful and brought tears to my eyes. Dogs are great companions :)

[@robinfarmer4787]

I love how well behaved your dogs are I can tell you spent a lot of time with them

[@cbr8206]

This is a fantastic video. It covers all the practical truths about what it takes to get a house dog to go hunting sometimes. If a dog owner can accomplish what Stonnie has laid out in this video, that owner will have a dog who can go hunting and perform in the field better than half of all the dogs you will ever come across in a hunting environment. Basic obedience with some basic retrieving knowledge and preparation for the hunting environment makes a dog that will be good enough to go hunting sometimes. As a wise man has said often, "Don't let perfection stand in the way of good enough!" Great video Stonnie!

[@StonnieDennis]

Thank you!

[@accufab]

This is my favorite video of all the videos I have watched of yours. The ending with Henry is worth the entire trip. This is a must watch for anyone thinking of getting a Lab for hunting. I’ve watched it three times just because there is so much good practical info, and entertainment in this single session. Thank you so much Stonnie for all I’ve learned from you. My dog and myself have benefited immensely.

[@rcote1234]

All your videos are good. This was great! Thanks for ending it by sharing Henry with us again. He’s a G’boy!

[@StonnieDennis]

I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the positive feedback!

[@anniecampbell8554]

Stonnie, I love your focus on consistency and core vocabulary which has really helped me with training my puppy-now-dog for the past couple of years. He is mostly a city dog who spends the weekends in the country. In the first puppy year it was nearly impossible to get him to focus if there was a squirrel or another dog and so on in his range of vision. But once he learned the pattern that he had to come back THEN he got to ‘play’ with the squirrels we were good. Now he is about 98% reliable. Certainly notice the change in his attention in this change of seasons but I know he will settle down after a week or so. But the training goes on….

[@donc9275]

I really like the idea of continuously training your dog. I saw a video where a dog knew what something like 200 items were.

[@gallopingg1]

HENRY, YOUR A LEGEND, THE DOG THAT TEACHES HIS OWNER!! LOL,LOL, BEAUTIFUL DOG, UK.

[@geraldb9706]

Fantastic episode Stonnie! Full of great information not only for the hunters in the audience, but for those of us who just want to have a loving and loyal companion along for the ride. My goal would be to have a “Henry” that has given me 110% of love for life. Peace and Calm to all. 👍🏻😎🇨🇦

[@StonnieDennis]

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@maureenshonn3551]

Great video Stonnie! Love your style of training. You actually consider the dog’s perspective and never force anything. The connection you have with your pups is obvious. They trust you, are happy to please and willing to try. Thanks for another great lesson!

[@lindaszymkiewicz5109]

Another fantastic video Stonnie! Good to see Henry. Love everything you do. Thank you.

[@pattilanham3694]

Stonnie this video is amazing! I have never taken my dog hunting before but I always wanted to learn how to do it. Your video would have been a dream come true 40 years ago when I was searching for books about the subject. I now have one of those chubby yellow’s who is one of those naturally soft mouthed labs who will happily retrieve every time but tires out after 10 throws. Lol. Thank you so much for giving my boy new things to work on. ❤❤❤

[@StonnieDennis]

I’m glad you liked it!

[@kboutdoors734]

I have been waiting for a video like this from you! It definitely makes a lot of sense for those who might lack common sense. The lack of forced fetch is a great concept, and knowing the type of Labrador is beneficial to success in the long run. Looking forward to getting my hunting partner one day.

[@jamesallison4875]

I forgot to mention that I found it hilarious that you would have to teach a dog to retrieve. Roscoe never had a problem finding anything you can get out there. Absolutely the best.

[@richardlawson6787]

I've had several different breeds of dog...but labs are the best all around...simply fun dogs

[@mpspuij]

Henry is so much fun ... Retrieving and then going backwards into his parking spot.

[@brucetravis4249]

I recognized that Beeman on my old antiquated phone, and with old eyes. They ARE THE BEST! I'm a retired wing-shooting guide, horse/dog/pigeon trainer. I don't impress easily, but somewhat today. Ezekiel 33:6 KJV

[@francesnance9110]

My old black lab crossed the rainbow bridge, yet I still love watching this videos. Reminds me of him. "Every dog wants to be a lab, and every lab wants to be black." lol....!

[@warbonnett1]

I have a pound rescue. he looks to be pure bred. he has a lot of separation anxiety. I've come a long way with him. They said he's 5 years old, i think he's a little younger. He does a kick butt job of getting in and out of the truck. He will get into service heel position. He doesnt stay on heel well when i take him on walks. i think it's because i'm a city boy convert to hunting so he isn't in the field enough. he does have a lot of drive, but i cant get him to hold the bumper too well (still working on it). I've used treats a lot and he is so treat motivated that he doesn't seem to care much about holding the bumper, because he wants to have an open mouth for a treat!! It's coming along and I know I have to lower my expectations. I think he'll hunt just fine but he always breaks. I can walk him off leash in the neighborhood but he's so social that he wants to bark at other dogs and go up to sniff a butt. I'm just blathering at this point. I'd like get him to not break when i throw the bumper but not sure how to get him not to break. I've tried to use treats. I've only had this pound dog for 4 months and i'm going to take him in the blind this year. we'll see how he does. I think he'll be good enough. He marks real well when live birds are shot in the simulated field, so that is a victory in and of itself. We'll see, come October. I can't wait to get him out there. Cheers!

[@xfoolsgoldx]

Love the respect between both the owner and the dog👍

[@jamesallison4875]

I have a WPG who loves to retrieve. We work in water and field twice a day. He’ll climb up on anything and be ready to go. Even loves the lawnmower! He fell into my lap and I know how lucky I am. Not a hunter, but have a great hunting environment, so I work him a lot. Next we’re gonna work on boat training. These guys are really awesome and intelligent. They just need to be with the master 24/7 and be excersized intensely. Check them out. I’m very happy with mine, and I’m a pretty old guy.

[@MrMac_5]

Love the training style and tips, but I think most of all the loyalty to ole Henry! Thanks for the videos Stonnie!

[@TedOrgish-kv6xb]

A great lesson for an old man (me) thanks

[@StonnieDennis]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@urban_birddog]

I love what you said about building foundation the first year and spending the rest of the dog's life refining things. Never stop teaching never stop learning! Nice video thank you for sharing your wisdom.

[@roblabonne]

Henry is hilarious 😂 He was the icing on the cake. My 12 year old boy is at the same phase of life. “Nah I’m good”

[@JayBow-lc8ek]

God Bless Henry old dog always deserves a little respect.

[@thejohnjosh]

Henry made my day. What an awesome old boi

[@garynorman7136]

Henry is a good ole boy.

[@lynnericcio228]

Great advice and examples on this video for us all-hunters or not. In response to your question a few weeks ago regarding dogs that tug on their leashes and why? I now pre-fatigue my seven year old black Labrador before we leave the premises-even if leaving exercise the dog! We spend 15 minutes with a quick game of fetch, amble around the yard and maybe a trip to the mailbox to check p-mail. Works wonders-no more pulling-thanks for asking!

[@TheSnappleman75]

51 minutes of wisdom

[@johnnacrist8715]

Awe, that was great! Thank you!

[@StonnieDennis]

Thank you for watching!

[@joeo7257]

Excellent video! I was involved in Hunt Tests and Retriever Field Trials for decades. Competitive Field Trial dogs are usually high strung, and high energy. For most people these dogs are not the best choice for family dogs that sometimes hunt. They can be hard to control if you don’t keep their mind and body active. Look in pedigrees with Agility and Hunt Test background. A competitor/trainer who has a litter of puppies may work for you better than an exclusive breeder. Stonnie is awesome.

[@Tht42069]

Love to see you work with a pointing dog, I know there's a tonne of other content out there, I just like your content, I've seen your Brittany's on your channel and your gsp video.

[@blackie8306]

great content as usual. I'm always amazed at how calm Stonnie's dogs are. I have a 10 month old English chocolate lab, and she's all over the shop. Never stops. I'm looking at the three big black labs resting calmly on those tires, even with distractions going on around them, and I'm thinking how in the heck does he do it? Maybe one day I'll get there, if i watch enough Stonnie videos, and put it into practice.

[@judymiller5154]

PRE-exercise!! Then "training"! We do the same with young horses, make sure they have the "edge" taken off so they are "looking" for the right answer so they can rest. 👍

[@MrKorra00]

Great last reflection, we need to be empathic with the old buddies their energy levels are difficult to match with our espectations. Respect.

[@johnkelly4043]

THANK YOU! for doing this vid. I have a 16 week lab I thought was a house dog that will go hunting sometimes. I have a american lab that has a quick re-charge rate and is on most of the time. Looking forward to watching your vids and buying more bourbon to deal with my crazy boy. LOL

[@jamesanderson1500]

perfect timing my lab that will be a family dog that goes hunting sometimes is coming home in 2 months!

[@markkarahalis7164]

I would like to thank you for these excellent, step by step videos for training/teaching dogs. I grew up with Short haired pointers and European standard collies. My lifestyle up to this Point in my life I have not owned a dog because I understood that it would be cruel to have a dog stuck in the house all day. Now I am retired. I live in a very warm climate now . I have decided to get a Labrador, not black. the dog will spend time at a salt water beach. I hope it can be a swimming partner. I believe that I can train the dog for my lifestyle. Your videos have given me the confidence. Hopefully, in a year or two I can tell you about my experiences of training the dog. thanks again for your very logical and helpful dog training videos! Mark

[@sofluid]

Absolutely lovely in depth dicussion and tribute to the breed and your dogs. It can't hurt to recommend some of the breeders of these dogs too; I'm sure many a viewer has become more keen on adding one of these beautiful pups to their families. :)

[@judymiller5154]

We highly recommend Performance Labs in Central California. Many years of breeding, hunt competition, dock diving, and pro training... and lots of championships. We are getting an 8 mo yellow male in 4 days! ❤️🐶❤️

[@angelitoc3branch]

Excelentet video I love the entire video including the last part of the video

[@StonnieDennis]

I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@richwalsh2917]

Stoney, Found you and it’s excellent!!!

[@debbiesmith2207]

One of the best things about Canada 🇨🇦 if NO WACKADOS WITH GUNS! We've all seen Deliverance, lol Love your content. No guns needed 😀

[@adamw4469]

8:05 - "Dang it Uncle Stonnie you've got my ear stuck, I look like an idiot on TV!" :D Good stuff Stonne, thanks for all the content!

[@stansbruv3169]

Good dog Henry!

[@Cielovista]

Damnit! You made me cry at the end with Henry 💗

[@htenerf137]

Uncle Stonnie thank you for always giving sound life advice secretly disguised at dog advice. The bit about hunting being a fraction of the time and the meat being the activities surrounding it really struck a chord 😂. I may just send this to my lady friends who are wedding crazy and not necessarily thinking about what marriage means. Wedding is just a day. The rest of your life is the getting gear at the store. Getting the boat serviced. Meeting with friends and packing up the truck. Picking a dog and husband/wife who looks good on one day aint it.

[@StonnieDennis]

Thank you for watching!

[@Jacob-ht3wj]

Omg haha the dog in the background at 4:40 his leg kept slipping off the tire

[@LarsAndersenFrihed]

I love seeing your dogs. Great video.

[@vikingdogmanship]

We are not related, But you are my Uncle🤗Very well said! Keep on telling it how it is! Much love to you and the fam❤️

[@ryanhoneycutt9014]

Just found your content! Recommendation for where to find those dumbells? Curious about what they are made out of?

[@niki3151]

As always, spot on and so important :)

[@saberman1]

Hey Stonnie, off topic what are your thoughts on Raw diet for dogs? What do you feed your puppies and adult dogs? Thanks.

[@edwarddiviney5226]

Great Honest video. Gorgeous Blacks, I always see different confirmation points between pups in the same litter. Skinny to blocky, somewhat, headstrong to docile, I pick the Blocky middle temperament pup, for a house pet sometimes hunter. Never seen a Lab that wouldn't be trainable as an occasional hunter.

[@starwarsvet3209]

Just the vid I needed!!!!

[@Labdoglover]

Love all your common sense advice!

[@alessandra.lisetta]

Love how you've snuck in some slippery floor acclimation! I've also always wanted to ask, are Showgun, Portly and No Name brothers? Thank you for another top quality video, I've seen all your videos multiple times yet I ALWAYS earn something new.

[@eyeshezzy]

Ohh yeah..a nice lengthy video. Keep up the good work!

[@nukejunkie2207]

Another great video. Is it possible that Henry is setting up like that because he knows the direction that he’ll need to go for the next retrieve?

[@StonnieDennis]

100%

[@TheDanvilletrain]

There's a lot of great dogs out there, but Henry is like seeing secretariot

[@patdenney7046]

Awesome video!

[@jmbakkinator]

Love your wisdom on training - it totally works

[@Ledmetacdc]

Lots of great info. The dog on the tire trying to get his right rear leg to stay on every time he was in frame was mildly distracting though.

[@StonnieDennis]

That’s a super learning opportunity for viewers as well as the dog.

[@ryantrombley4168]

Great video! I have a question as I’m new to owner a lab. Do some of them get little pressure points (calluses) by their front elbows? Have mine on a Kuranda bed and he still has little ones. Wanted to ask someone with a lot of experience with labs.

[@boaforever]

I need very soon a Lab for getting a Service- Dog (Emergency Warning Dog Especially For Epepleptic People) and want a slim working line, no showline and the Yellow Labrador Retriever should be "white". Which kind would you say, it's the right or best for doing this job? Can the white version on american and english Labs and lines? The dog itself should can be calm, strong and active/ multitask, that I can train him for agility, apporting, swimming in the sea 15 minutes near I live and on our very big garden the other at home, in the near being wood, whole animals, cause I live where the nature, much dogs (Retriever in the neighborhood, but generally dogs), cats, cows, horses and other animals, kids in different age in my family and in neighborhood, but there's around us like louder, hectic places and much more, too. Could be maybe the creme Lab, which retrieve a red toy when you was sitting the right or which one would be the choice to search for this very special Service- Dog? I hope you can help me...

[@LABIWorld]

It's was interesting to hear all that....but in real it will comes always different...no matter how good you train and you selective you choose....they all have an individual personality...I have e 3 labs fieldtrail from to different kennels /lines and even the two sisters are very different in there abilities and behavior, but all wonderful, even they got same training,same environment and so one....one is 3 times more active,one more chilling, one extremely fearless swimmer in biggest waves and so on....important of to be a good team....I admire your videos and your work.....keep on going...greeting from LABIBEACH Brasil a German friend

[@TracyShultz]

I love the dog Buddy. Would love to find that breeder!!! Thanks for these videos very helpful.

[@kristawelch-chapman5463]

Such a great video. Thank you.

[@denajohann4590]

Please cover the issue of dog condition before going hunting. I'm a vet tech seen a lot of injury due to over weight and under conditioned dogs

[@terrymp1091]

Could you explain the difference between dogs bred for UK field trials and American field trials? That would help some people too.

[@kyte.the.adventurer9748]

Great video as always and some good tips.. Loving Henry how old is he ? Now I have seen him in many of your past videos.

[@larrysparks3329]

What a great video.

[@erissmith845]

Can you make a "training your dog to track and search" video? I appreciate your style of training and wisdom so much! Your videos helped me train my dog who was scared of water, to swim and go kayaking with me like a champ and I owe you a world of thanks! He loves to go bikejoring too and is an awesome trail tramping buddy - a new adventure every day. He's a Golden Retriever (who will not retrieve) crossed with a Norwegian Elkhound and he loves to track small game (grouse and beavers) on his own when we go out but I'd be interested in how to train him to track and search. (He actually found a distressed hiker's keys on trail this summer which is what got me thinking maybe I should develop this talent) I look forward to all your videos- dog training or tree trimming- and always feel a bit better about the world after spending some time with Uncle Stonnie

[@stupidfastgt5801]

Henry rules!

[@2036livy]

Sorry ..I wasn't listening. Couldn't take my eyes off the adorable labs piled on the tires in the background with their legs plopped off to the side hanging off 😂❤😂

[@Mitch_Ryder]

I’d love to also see your retrieving training method with non retriever breeds. …maybe a herding breed.

[@StonnieDennis]

I use the same approach. It works perfectly on dogs with natural retrieving instinct.

[@StonnieDennis]

I have videos of me doing it with Mals, Dutch Shepherds, Border Collies, etc…

[@Fishercic]

Never thought about that I have a vary pretty chocolate lab she likes fetch on her terms but my yellow lab looks just like Rico she seems to never wanna stop playing fetch got to the point we’re she is catching a frisbee at 50+ yards

[@gladysnajar2254]

Thank you😊

[@StonnieDennis]

Thank you for watching!

[@michaelkaster5058]

If my uncle just thought about going to the cabin, His lab would be sitting by the door till they went. I am sure he was doing some prep thing but he couldn't figure it out, lol.

[@amysheridan4496]

❤Henry IS a fine dog❤

[@brandonmitchell3617]

What kund imof knife you got? Randall?

[@Retrieverman1]

What are your thoughts on British or Irish working retrievers, like the kind from Wildrose or Robert Milner? I am thinking of getting one, because the retrieve is bred for and force fetching is unknown over there.

[@StonnieDennis]

I’ve dealt with quite a few. I really like that style.

[@xfoolsgoldx]

Love dogs and especially labradors are one of my favourite breeds. Unfortunately I don't have a lifestyle that would be suitable for a dogs.

[@probulb]

Hello mate....i like your west....where did u get it and what is the brand?

[@Selassie0316]

Thanks

[@kevinschuiteboer6367]

Stonnie I have a standard poodle I am training my dog for a service dog he is doing great he is three years old I got him when he was a puppy do you think he will work fine

[@kevinschuiteboer6367]

Want size of dumbbell do you use

[@drdeannacole]

Are those American or British (English) labs? Stoney, I don’t hunt or have anything in my lifestyle that resembles most of the content in your videos (except that I have a new lab pup ~1 year), but I love your content because you are so darn likeable and your dogs are so adorable. “Miss America don’t make eggs cuz she don’t have to.” 😂