flat coat retrivers

[Rodeoclown_bullfighter]

hello i have had my flat coat retriver for about six months and he is five years old and is progressing in his hunting training i was wondering if anyone can help me get info so ican get him scent trained to pheasant and dove retrival and if anyone knows of any breeders for pups or information that would be great

[Yooper]

Start him on some of the scent products and a pheasant wing.

Check the AKC site for breeder info.

[Brent]

Yeah there should be a list of available trainers in your area through their website, or phone book, or game and parks. Although with a 5 year old dog I am not sure how much they will be able to do as far as obedience. Just taking them out they will get gradually better everytime.

I recommend not hunting with another dog or with more than 1 other hunter the first few times you take him/her that way they do not loose their concentration.

[Flatcoat1]

Bullfighter, We own a flatcoat too. One of the biggest hurdles in getting our first was getting someone to sell us one since we had not owned one before. (sort of a Catch 22). Go to the FCRSA website for some breeder info. Are you looking for show? obedience? agility? field? (Luckily, even a show quality flatcoat is still good for all the ot her stuff. Some breeders want you to get a CH. title and then get more titles to go with it. Remember that the flatcoat gene pool is small. Try to see at least a five generation pedigree. If at all possible, ask about lifespan of parents, grandparents etc. (Remember that cancer is the flatcoat's biggest fear!) You may have to travel to find a good one. We found a resource for ours at a local AKC Dog Show. Go to AKC.org for links for shows in your area. Also, infodog.com has show listings too. (Remember, these people are trying to get titles on their dog(s) and may not want to be bothered too much before they show. Make an introduction and see if you can talk after they show. Go to the ring and watch and talk to the handlers. (I have found that most flatcoat people are friendly and happy to talk to others about their breed. Some professional handlers may not be as nice but they are at work and have a job to do. After their work is done then they may be mor eopen to you.) Let me know if this helps because I am . . . Flatcoat1. (I just heard about a rescued flatcoat in the Indianapolis area. Are you interested in a rescued dog? Sometimes if you check with the rescue they have dogs of all ages and reasons for being rescued. Sometimes you can get a really nice dog that someone else did not have the time or energy for.)