The pup must learn to sit quietly in groups of dogs and people under all types of distractions including birds and gunfire without squeaking. While giving mouth under excitement is often a transferred trait from parents to offspring, it is also a correctable habit when addressed early. Vehicle Manners Dogs must remain under absolute control during loading and unloading of the vehicle. The unpolished retriever bounds out of the vehicle or kennel at the first opportunity and proceeds to run amuck. Fights erupt, guns are knocked over, and shouts emerge from otherwise drowsy, passive hunters, all unnecessarily.
Polished retrievers are mannerly at the vehicle, awaiting instruction to enter or exit.
Once out, they sit quietly outside awaiting further instruction. They load by name in proper order upon return. There is nothing more unpleasant than a muddy, wet retriever, just back from the hunt, jumping onto the interior of your fine 4 X 4, just as the door opens. Steady to Flush Polished retrievers remain at heel, undeterred by flushed game, birds or otherwise. Dogs should be conditioned during basic training to remain steady at heel to flushed game.