A welcome departure from the prevailing methods of hunting-dog training, this guide explores more humane, spiritual, and effective Labrador retriever training techniques. Hunters are led from the beginning—selecting a puppy for athleticism, “birdyness,” conformation, intelligence, and personality—to understanding factors such as habitat, terrain, scenting conditions, and bird behavior. The end result is a happy, powerful, poised, and enthusiastic gun dog that can handle any challenge, including quail, grouse, doves, geese, ducks, and even wild turkeys.