I have been asked: "What has been your experience as to the AGE when dogs you have had from MEG's bloodline begin to be physically challenged as working retrievers? and, Does MEG's eye condition affect her vision or appearance at this time and would one expect it to worsen in any way with age?
VIEW YouTube VIDEO here: 4 DOGS : Rough Terrain : Marked Retrieves
Here at ALTIQUIN, I train all my dogs from 6 months onward.
And, within my ALTIQUIN Training Programme - I am expecting my dogs to be fully operational in the Field at 3 years-of-age.
If I push them too hard, too young then the wheels will fall off and they will not become the companion you would like.......... when the real pressure is on.
So, for example, MEG had her First Season finishing just 6 months ago (in Jan./Feb. 2016). At 4 you will have the next 3 or even 4 years at her prime. She will then gently start to ease towards her retirement. I am sure even up to the age of 10 she will be very keen to get out with you. Although she is 4, you have only missed a year of her full working potential.
I know in the USA, trainers are putting out dogs very young, trained on the e-collar.
They are forced to do their job, no questions....
Training with my style, I want The Relationship so that the dogs WANT to work for me. They trust me, and I then trust them: My dogs then have a level of independence that I strive for. They are not too frightened to do the wrong thing (because if they don't they will get fried with an electric collar). No, they have no fear of electric shock because I do not use the electric collar. 
If they are out in the Field after a wounded duck, they have my blessing to get on with it. They know better than myself how to bring that bird home.
All my dogs seem to work long lives.
MEG's mother: FTCh Altiquin Rain is still working and trialling hard - she must be 8 now. Her brother FTCh Altiquin Ripple is now with Capt Tom Cornicelli in the USA, sent there to retire but he is still working hard as a guide dog with him.
With regards the eyes, I have been reassured that the condition will not get any worse. It is a small crease on the retina that Meg has lived with all her very buoyant and productive life.
Any compensation she has needed to make, she's made it already.
Let me know if there is anything else you need.
Warm regards, Paul Toal - Altiquin Labradors
VIEW YouTube VIDEO here:
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