I have a 9 month old lab at the trainer. She has been there 3 months to the day. Where would you expect her to be at this point? I understand every animal is different but for the average 9 month old at a reputable trainer? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Where is she


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I haven't worked with mine but for maby a month on and off and she has basic obedience down. Sit stay here and heel, retrieving on land and water, doubles by marking, and getting real good at casting. I'm no trainer but it almost seemed to come naturally. I read quite a few books on training methods and would also like to know where pups this age should stand.

Would rather not say. I am obviously concerned because I am asking but I don't want to put a bad rep out there on a trainer if it's just because I have bigger expectations of that makes any sense. I will say that he has a good following and also, like most, has a few haters. All in all I have seen his seasoned dogs and they appear to work well. I just don't know if mine is lacking drive, lacking confidence, having to much pressure applied or I am just paranoid because I am writing a monthly check. I have only had one other dog and trained him myself so I don't have much memory of that or experience with other dogs to know where she should be at this point. He tells me it will all come together shortly.

Ok , I'll give you the best answer I can . If you were to give you dog to a pro , not knowing what your dog already knew . This is what you could expect . Your pup would be CC and FF . His OB would be solid in 3 months . He has been gun condition . Whistle to sit and here . Can do single marks on water and land up to 100 yards . Maybe intro to baseball with hand signals . That would be what your dog could do at the kennel I worked as a youngster . I'm looking at your dog as coming as a dog with just basic OB intro from an owner .

Of course it also depends on the dog , some move faster or slower than others . Like Force Fetch . Also it comes down to breeding , not saying a dog from no hunting or field trial/hunt test won't work .

She has been CC and FF which appears to be good. OB is good. Marks and distance is what has me concerned. Maybe she is a few days behind. She still has another month but I needed to hear it from others with experience. She seems sluggish and lacking confidence to extend out past 30 or 40 yards from the bank. I think I am just paranoid as the end approaches.

She was dropped off with basic OB from owner at 6 mths. She did not come from a top pedigree.

Well , I would give him the time as agreed . Some dogs as I said , takes longer than others , but when the light comes on . Sometimes they pass the others . Seen some pups that were superstars with tons of drive , but other got season titles and just couldn't get pass that . Still were meat dogs . Then their were some that I thought would never make it in the feild , really soft dogs . Well long story short , Got finished titles and some went on to get their Grand titles as well as MH . Let the pro have his chance , you still can talk to him to get his insight though . In a cool way though , he won't mind I'm sure . Good luck !

Thanks for the insight. I guess we all wish the could win the grand fresh off the tit. Lol

Did you ask the trainer how long it took to get basic OB down? How about collar and Force Fetch? Could be she has only been at marks a short time. Could be she is soft and scared of doing something wrong and getting burned. Could be you are reading her wrong. Could be a lot of things. Give her and the trainer a chance. She is only 9 months old and he has only had her three months.

3 months is short. Also your dog is likely coming out of force fetch now. The fact that your dog is sluggish on short marks is likely from force fetch. It takes some dogs a little time to get their confidence fast. If by the 4month mark your dog hits T-work then that's good. If it doesn't, that's okay. If it goes much past that it's either a stellar dog, or I'd be concerned the trainer went too fast. My dog has been gone for 3 months as well, and is doing pile work. That seems about the norm for what I'd expect at 3 months and I'm confident in what I'll be getting back in a month.

Have you seen other dogs trained by your trainer? Have you expressed your concerns to your trainer? If your dog is not up to snuff then your trainer should tell you and not bleed you of your money.

Mine has been at the trainers for 3 months and 11 days. My male lab was 4 months old when I sent him. I had trainer do two months of obedience and five months of gun dog. I saw him work after only a month of gun dog and he is a rocket. Today I just got a text from the trainer that my lab loves the water. Point being...communication with your trainer is essential. He needs to know your expectations and you need to know his abilities. Call your dog trainer!

You can force a dog and not slow him down nothing says they can't be rewarded during force fetch my dogs are usually amped up after force because they have figured out they can fetch without the pressure if they do it quickly I'd be excited to if I was taught properly when a dog doesn't fully understand force he will slow down

Some pros do it different especially if customers are rushing them

Y'all don't F' with AKA about dogs, he knows his stuff.

Thanks for the replies. I wasn't intending on starting a debate, just wanted to identify what my expectations should be at this point due to not having much experience. Thanks for everyones help!

Lol indeed Marsh Chicken!

Very true words.

Now....the OP is in Baton Rouge and I'm in Prairieville. I would gladly get in my truck and try to help him. But, I won't step on any pro's toes.

I'm actually in Prairieville off 42. The trainer has her till next month and will decide then if she should stay longer. If she comes home I would love to have a local to worth her with other dogs if your ever up for it.

Please don't mistaken my questions. I am jus an ameterur trying to find out an unbiased opinion from experienced people. This was never intended to underestimate the ability of the trainer. He has some incredible animals that he has trained and no one can deny that. I will let you all know how she turns out.

I'm off 42 as well. You're welcome to come out and watch anytime. Ask questions and we'll try to help you.

We train Tuesday and Thursdays before work and usually on Sat and Sun mornings too. Sometimes locally, sometimes we travel.

Bear in mind that we run All Age Field Trial dogs, so our sets aren't suited for puppies. But, we will try to explain why we do things the way we do them, etc.. At the very least, you'll pick up a few pointers on handling.

So she came home yesterday, I couldn't be happier. It's only been a day but she does as much if not more than I ever expected. With that being said I guess the lesson I learned is that when I drop the pup off that if we agree to 4 months then wait the 4 months before getting nervous. Thanks guys for the advice!

I'm glad you're pleased with your dog!

As I have previously said, you're more than welcome to come out and train, and I live right off 42. You missed a great opportunity this morning. We went to St. Gabriel and did a couple land sets in a hay bale field.