Dang. You had me at "Seattle", but I'm in...Seattle. Looking for someone in town to train with and stay sharp during the week. Lots of guys in the Snohomish/Monroe area. I go out there on weekends to meet with some guys. Don't get too paranoid from people telling you what not to do. I'm on my first bird dog, two years in, and he's doing great. He plays with toys at home, knows how to sit, and is babied by my wife and daughters. He's also a bird machine in the fall and titled Senior hunter, working on his Master. If I can do it anyone can. They're smarter than you think and can tell the difference. Good luck.