Thank you for contacting Gun Dog Supply and thanks for the compliment on the web site.
I still like
All the Answers to All Your Questions About Training Pointing Dogs by Paul Long, so far as books are concerned.
Paul Long's book has some about electronic collar training. However, Delmar Smith's videos are quite good and I would especially recommend his
Yard Work (Volume I) video to you for your consideration.
I also suggest, however, that a training book or video might be your best starting point. The
WATER DOG Video is quite popular as is the
WATER DOG book. I think it is a good idea to read (not necessarily buy) 3 or more retriever training books so that you know alternate ways of achieving the same thing, as some dogs respond to some methods more favorably than to other methods.
Most Goldens I have seen are intelligent and respond well to praise. Most 6-month-old pups have a short attention span so I would recommend that you keep the training sessions short (less than 15 minutes) initially. Lots of "attaboys" (or "attagirls") when the pup comes close to doing what you want will go a long way with many Goldens.
Please let us know if we may be of further assistance.
