7 weeks? 8 weeks? 10 weeks?

[adam.WI]

Not to say that Mr. Wolter isn't out dated, but books wouldn't sell if he wasn't. So with no intents to offend, If people don't talk that book and program down no one would have to buy training books because of how many copies are out there today.
 I've heard many times pick a training program and stick with that one. The end result should be the same, and for the most part a similar time line. I haven't done nearly enough work with my dog due to deployments and a lack of time in general, but she still points, holds birds and loves every one. All I really need out of my Brit. On top of that she  duck hunts with me regularly, not necessarily the norm for that breed. She's no lab, but finds and retrieves those birds.

So I will stick with it's a horse a piece.

[DOUBLELUNG]

Brought 2 home at 7 weeks, and one at 16 weeks.  Others were adoptions @ 9mo and 15 mo.  All hunted fine.  A lot of trad German breeders don't even begin to train a dog until 1 yr.

[Machias]

Not to say that Mr. Wolter isn't out dated, but books wouldn't sell if he wasn't. So with no intents to offend, If people don't talk that book and program down no one would have to buy training books because of how many copies are out there today.
 I've heard many times pick a training program and stick with that one. The end result should be the same, and for the most part a similar time line. I haven't done nearly enough work with my dog due to deployments and a lack of time in general, but she still points, holds birds and loves every one. All I really need out of my Brit. On top of that she  duck hunts with me regularly, not necessarily the norm for that breed. She's no lab, but finds and retrieves those birds.

So I will stick with it's a horse a piece.

I understand where your coming from, but these guys are not talking down Mr. Wolters book near as much as they are talking up other methods and  pointing out better training techniques...and these folks aren't selling anything.  They are trainers who are trying to steer new gun dog owners towards a better way of doing things.  One book that is pretty much unanimous is Joan Bailey's "How to Help Gun Dogs Train Themselves". Supposed to be hands down the best book for pups from 8 weeks to one year.

[Chessie_Guy]

I own a copy of 'Water Dog', and started out with it.  Once I got in with a trainer, I no longer needed it.  However, I think the fundamentals are sound, with regard to building on previous skills learned as well as things like working on handling, T-patterns, etc.

I have heard raves about Evan Graham's 'Smartwork', but have no first hand experience.

If anyone is looking for a trainer, send me a PM, and I'll give you the info on mine.

[Machias]

I own a copy of 'Water Dog', and started out with it.  Once I got in with a trainer, I no longer needed it.  However, I think the fundamentals are sound, with regard to building on previous skills learned as well as things like working on handling, T-patterns, etc.

I have heard raves about Evan Graham's 'Smartwork', but have no first hand experience.

If anyone is looking for a trainer, send me a PM, and I'll give you the info on mine.

I've been hearing the same thing about Mr. Graham's stuff.

[Rowdy]

I read Joan Bailey's book and pretty much followed it for the pup's first year.  I also Followed The perfection kennels first DVD.  Then I sent the pup for some training with a proffessional do to a divorce taking all my time.  IMHO if someone has a well bred dog, followed Joan Bailey's book and the Perfection kennels DVD's, they would end up with a nice hunting dog.

Personally, I really like Bailey's book because I think it laid a really nice foundation for my pup.  It doesn't have strict timelines, just estimations of time periods, and it covers everything from the simple stuff to hunting stuff.  IMHO, very good book.

Again, the above is just my personal experience and there are more than a couple ways to skin a cat.  Good luck with the pup and I can't wait to see some more pics.

 
Jake