If you have the opportunity to watch a real, finished duck dog work, you’ll see something special. The relationship between the retriever and its handler will involve a lot of independence, but also communication. The dog will always wait for the signal to be released, and if the downed bird or dummy isn’t located quickly, will ask for help. When help is given, the dog will keep working toward the goal.
This communication seems simple enough but think about it if you add in a couple more birds into the mix. What about if there are other hunters involved, and other dogs? Not just in your party, but down the cattails a little way tucked into the next point? These dynamic...