This book seems to cover many situations that the first time gundog owner may encounter. The content of the book is mainly aimed at the novice handler with good pointers in how to create a close working relationship with his dog. Peter Moxon the author is a spaniel owner and does lean towards the reader choosing the same for his first dog. But with his guidance throughout the book it is possible to train retrievers to be multi-functional. The book covers choice of dog and its training form puppy through to adult. There is also a questions and answers part in which the author explains how to solve training problems in a way thats easy for the novice handler to comprehend. Suitable food and shelter are covered as too is the dogs health and an explaination of dog psychology.