Bird work
Don photographed the NORCAL GRC Working Certificate test a few days before we left for the lake, so he was able to obtain a couple (dead) ducks/pheasant to bring with us to the lake. The dogs haven’t worked with birds in quite a while, so it was good to give them the extra exposure.
We used the outlet that runs from the lake toward the ocean, which has grasses/reeds on either side, so plenty of cover, and narrow enough for me to throw the duck to the other side most of the time. Sporty was in heaven, showing the boys the ropes. My work with Ronan’s ‘stay’ while leaving to throw bumpers for him really paid off because I was able to move off to throw the duck, then return to position to send him. Proud of my boy. While he usually brings bumpers back, the bird is different and he needs work on the retrieving to hand part. That should come as he realizes things will move along more quickly if he brings them back to me instead of to the shade or the trees.
Thistle was a great water retriever, but isn’t too keen on birds on land. A little competition with Sport got him picking up the duck on land. We’ll see if that holds over time.
Sporty
Thistle
Ronan
These are beautiful!!! It warms my heart to see beautiful retrievers doing what they were originally bred to do — fetch those game birds!!!! Great pictures. We are green with envy here back at home. Steve loves the pics too!! Dogs are gorgeous.
Lisa, Steve and the Newton doggies
Carey always much preferred a nice warm pheasant to a slimy old duck anytime! Your boys will figure it out.
It has been too long since I’ve checked your blog site – wow – how impressive R. and T. are with the ducks – beautiful! And what a great shot of Sport – she is obviously THRILLED with her canard!
xo
Miche