Without question, kids bond with Labs and Labs bond with kids. They play and sleep together and they love and comfort each other. I believe that if they are given the opportunity to develop the unique trainer/lab partnership, they will learn new levels of respect for each other and for the outdoors that aren’t always available in life’s everyday lessons; especially for the kid.

Your child? Child of a family member? Friend? Start by letting him/her tag along and share in the training exercises. Keep the training short and simple to maintain interest. Kids LOVE to throw bumpers, and they think it’s really cool to hide bumpers and watch the dog try to find them.

Give a kid that opportunity. Make the effort. Try it. Do it. You may even spark an interest in duck hunting which is a win-win for everyone, including the future of the sport itself.

At the very least, you’ll get someone to help throw bumpers for you without complaining!