So I took the little begger out about 2 weeks ago. Just myself & nephew. First dove shot he went over picked it up (first real bird in his mouth) started crunching didn't want to bring it thought he should keep it.
Finally coaxed him over got it out. Tossed over to nephew & told him not to let him pick it back up. So he put it down by his side went to watching for new arrivals.. Raider soft footed in behind him & picked it up. Wasn't giving it back this time ran off a little ways & Yep he ate that one.
So I put him on lead & made him sit by me. The next 5 shot (only got 6). Took him on lead over to downed bird, he found them all using nose, picked them up didn't crunch one, soft mouthed all of them. Came back the 2 or 3 steps to me, let him hold as "Good Boy'd him" command "Out" & he let them go right in my hand. No fuss.
Not putting him on lead from start, that was my error. Didn't scold him or anything when he ate the 1. I was amazed he did so well on the other 5,retrieve no crunching & release no problems. Even went into mud of pond & under locust thorn tree to pick them up. So I was very pleased with him overall.
Hope to try him on some early teal this weekend.
