The Labrador Shooting Dog,

This is destined to be the classic work on training the Labrador retriever as an all-around hunting dog. Noted breeder and trainer Mike Gould takes us from the very beginning—selecting a puppy for athleticism, “birdyness,” conformation, intelligence, and personality—to the end result, a top-flight, do-anything, go-anywhere Labrador shooting dog. Mike teaches his special techniques of using love, solid obedience and faithful attention to detail to build—brick by brick—a powerful, poised and confident gun dog that can handle any challenge, from quail, grouse and dove to geese, ducks, and even wild turkeys—yes, wild turkeys. Mike talks about the factors that other trainers overlook: habitat, terrain, scenting conditions, conformation, and most of all, birds. The Labrador Shooting Dog is receiving critical acclaim particularly because of the humane, sensitive, effective training techniques outlined by Gould. The book is 304 pages, including a stunning 16-page color section featuring the famous Grand River gun dogs, with photos by K.D. McGraw and Gary Hubbell. Retail price is $25. Available now through Clinetop Press, Amazon.com, Orvis, Cabela’s, and by request at local bookstores.

The late Bill Tarrant, the Gun Dog editor of Field & Stream for 23 years, introduced this book by saying, “Mike Gould is the most brilliant gun dog trainer in the world. He has raised dog training to a higher plane. Mike’s dogs are happy dogs, enthused and birdy dogs, hunting fools, who love their human companions and bond with them so the two of them become a hunting machine miraculous to see. This is the best dog training book I’ve ever read—and I’ve read ‘em all!”

Mike Gould thinks the Labrador has not gotten its due as an all-around bird dog. He uses his Labs for every bird hunting task that his home in Kamiah, Idaho has to offer, and there are six different upland species out his back door, not to mention some good waterfowl shooting.
Says Gould, “It’s a fresh look at a real old game. It’s cutting edge. Just as the title implies, “The Labrador Shooting Dog” is an attempt to distinguish between the ‘retriever’ and the ‘shooting dog.’ I think the term ‘retriever’ has been unfortunate, because it tends to stereotype these dogs as just retrievers. As you well know, a lot has to happen before the retrieve occurs, and these dogs make that happen.”

Though this book is a must-read for Labrador fanciers, a great deal of the information translates to other hunting and working breeds, says Gould. “Even though this is a book about Labradors and shooting dogs, this book talks about things that anybody who uses hunting dogs should know. This is really great information for anyone who has a dog.”