Shooting UK: Old dog - new tricks?

I have a small 7 year old chocolate lab bitch, of very good working stock. She was bought by my wife as a family pet. I have never owned or trained a gun dog and am looking for some advice.

The lab has had a couple of litters, is very fit, spayed and fairly steady.

I've returned to rough shooting - mixed uplands, wildfowling and woodland on the doorstep - after a 20 year gap. I am lucky enough to get out 2-3 times a week.

We also have a 20 month Weimeraner, who dotes on the lab. She takes her lead from the lab, who had a phantom pregnancy and breast fed her when she arrived.

Both dogs have thrived on being out. They have shown good habits - scanning the sky and often alerting me to incoming birds I'd otherwise miss - and bring to hand. The lab flushes very well in thick cover. They are reasonably well trained by sub-urban dog standards.

I have no interest in attending formal shoots and risking exposing fellow shots to a green older dog. I would love to train them and can realistically make around 4 hours a week available to do so.

Is it worth trying to train them both?

Should I accept it's too late to train the lab (old dogs/new tricks), and bring in a new lab in a year or so instead?

If I decide not train the lab, I'm assuming it would be better to take the weimeraner out on her own (I can't bear the thought of the looks I'll get from the lab if I do !)

Any feedback welcome.

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