Hey, just got a black lab pup last week. Approx. 11 weeks old now. Very smart. I already have her coming up to me and then tell her to sit and then toss a bumper and she retrieves it every time. I'm thinking about trying to train her to chase squirrels or rabbits. Any tips? Also, how soon should I be taking her to the woods. Spring squirrel season just opened up and lasts for about another month.

it's never too early to get her used to a firearm. start with a pellet gun or .22 off in the background and work your way up. same thing for the woods start her now and she'll be used to staying close to you.

If you are going to use her as a bird dog, ie quail, duck, pheseants then start now with simple obedience w sit stay come and heel.

Once pup has the basics then we transition to some retriever work, AKA yard work, it is a controlled enviornement.

One of my biggest pet peeves is gun work, the best way to make a lap dog is to start gun work with out birds and to soon. She is a pup have fun with her.

Expect pup to make lots of mistakes and dont beat the heck out of her for making them, just back her up and when she gets it Tons of praise.

Other than that just have some fun with her, you are about to go through a 18 month test of nerves with a lab.