Lack of water makes it really tough!

[Big Lew]

I just returned from another few days bird hunting in the Cariboo.
Most of my regular spots are either completely dried up or have
more mud then water this year. I was able to find a few places
that held an assortment of birds, including mallards, but they're
not good places for dogs. As I've mentioned earlier, my choc lab
is still learning, but man! did he impress me with his determination!
He had to wade, crawl, swim, and pull himself through some of the
nastiest slop, often laden with logs and branches, I've ever sent
dogs into. He's learning to trust me when I say 'out', 'over left',
'over right', and 'right there!' which helps, but the massively thick
swamp grass and cattail still present a problem if he can't find them
right away. All in all though, even though I had to help him a couple
of times (at my own peril of getting badly stuck) which was scary, it
was a successful time. One thing that was puzzling...he brought all the
mallards and widgeon right back to my hand, but as soon as he was
4-5 feet from me with a teal he would drop it and refuse to have
anymore to do with it. It was almost as if he was saying, "here's your
puny little #@&! that you made me struggle out for, pick it up yourself!"

[yamadirt 426]

pretty sure ive had that same back talk from my mutt lol any pics with the dog and birds. Im itching for oct ducks

[BigD_83]

I've seen that behaviour out of well-trained border collies. I never really thought too much about it, but in retrospect, I think it was a sign they were tiring. Strange that it was only the teals. Maybe dog knows best?

[Big Lew]

I've seen that behaviour out of well-trained border collies. I never really thought too much about it, but in retrospect, I think it was a sign they were tiring. Strange that it was only the teals. Maybe dog knows best?

Nope, I thought that at first as well, but it was with all of them, even when he was raring to go and had
an easy retrieve.

[wos]

Glad to see things are working well with your dog. Sounds like he is turning out to be a great working dog.

[Big Lew]

Glad to see things are working well with your dog. Sounds like he is turning out to be a great working dog.

Yes, for the amount of actual 'real life' training and retrieving he's had I'm very happy and impressed
at how well he's doing. My first lab (1966-1974) was a champion trials competitor and excellent retriever
but he had a huge amount of training compared to this one. If this one continues to improve like he has,
it won't be long before he becomes almost as good a retriever. His biggest challenge right now is to settle
down, especially when I miss, lol. As soon as he sees ducks coming in, I point my gun, or even when he
hears the safety click, he can hardly contain himself.