Lab puppy/pigeon trainning?

More emphasis with young dogs should learn to "Mark" (use their eyes) than tracking.

introduce feathers asap for pups, ive seen some breeders already throwing in wings at 4 weeks old. Don't get upset if your pup is older its not too tough to get them to like it. once you know your dog does not mind picking up birds get off live or dead birds asap. if you only train with feathers they will grow a strong perference to them.

I dont upland hunt, but i find basic tracking very easy to train. and dogs absoutly love it. I start by dropping a wing and drag it or kick it in a very easy place for the pup to find. i give an exciting command "where is it" over and over. when the dog finds it, i turn it into an exciting production over emphizided "good dog." Make it harder and harder. You will be AMAZED how much the dog both enjoys this, and can find it in the most difficult places. the dog will also teach himself to use his nose to stay on the scent trail. It's very easy to teach, very rewarding and the dog loves it.

Once your confident in his abilities he will hold this skill forever.

for quartering excercises i bieleve there are some good videos on youtube. u need several helpers to teach quartering.

I had my lab training with pigeons by clipping there wings and having on of my brothers going out and throwing it. But you dont wanna do this if you have not had him working with the feathers before because he may no pick it up or do what your expecting!

The book on training I would recommend for novice trainers looking for a good manored "Meat Dog" would be the 10 minute Retriever.

http://www.gundogsupply.com/b10mirehowto.html

Another one that will go into more advanced training would be Smart Works Vol. I and Vol. II

http://www.gundogsupply.com/smforrevoiba.html