YES, and AFFIRMATIVE on Bill Hillman's puppy video. His 'Traffic Cop' video and later on the "E collar" video were vital to training me and my 2 year old chocolate boy who came to me a year ago without any formal training. What I also learned is to find a trainer that you and his/her training styles and philosophies match and stay focused on that 'style' of training. It's not just training for a day or two and put the pup away, it is constant. There are short teachable moments when you and pup least expect it.
Training Gear is pretty simple at this stage: a wire crate (this is pup's 'den' and you will use this to crate train, that is, no potty or poop in crate or house) training, a chain 'training collar' some folks call it a choke collar. It's a choke collar if you put it on incorrectly. A six foot lead, leather, nylon or cotton rope without knots on the end, works well for control of newbie pup, and a squeaky toy to get pup-pup excited about the retrieve. Soft, chewy treats (tiny, cooked hot dog bits) work wonders. Use liberally at first and then taper off. Lots of praise and physical contact (petting and stroking) you want pup-pup to want to like, trust and want to be with you. Basic obedience: walk calmly on lead, sit, heel, come.
Remember, it's a journey and not a horse race. Enjoy the ride!
You have a newbie pup, the training should be fun for both you and pup-pup. No pressure at this point and stage of the game.
Pictures, please!
