Flatcoats are excellent hunting and field dogs!

Flat-coated retrievers are excellent hunting dogs as would be expected from their original development in the 1800’s and the emphasis modern breeders put on maintaining the dual purpose and versatility of the breed. Flatcoats are excellent upland shooting dogs and great water retrievers. Their keen nose and drive helps them succeed in tracking events as well.

NWFCRC members participate in a range of local retriever field events and workshops as well as periodically organizing hunting trips. The Flat-Coated Retriever Society of America has an active group focused on all types of field work and their website is a wonderful resource for news, events and training. In addition to useful links and suggestions there is even a lending library of books and videos! The materials include an excellent article on training etiquette that includes some wise words on starting flatcoat puppies on a career of happy retrieving.