advice needed

[slabchaser]

I have an 18 month old yellow lab. She hunted a little last year. This year she has retrieved about 20 ducks. She is only 60lbs and not dominate at all. She isn't crazy about retrieving geese. Took her out for pheasant opener. She followed a few scent trails and retrieved a bird really well. She appears to have trouble trailing birds but that could come with time. The actual question is. She has been taught to stay close for duck hunting so when we go pheasant hunting she stays at my side. I'm worried that its not possible to get her to do both and retain all the info. Any tips on getting her to search more? I've been working with her on scent trails recently. I'm wondering if 6ft of pvc with a leash run through it would help train her to stay ahead but not wander. Sorry for the rambeling, lots of random thoughts going on.

[GSP4ME]

the easiest thing for you to do at this point is dont worry about shooting pheasant over her and concentrate on her. There is an old saying that says you cant push a wet rope. It is always easier to bring a dog in then push one out. With that said though there are a few things you can try. First you need to be quiet when you take her to the field, no hacking on her. The second is that you should take her to a game farm where you can buy the bids and put them out. Work her in the area whee you have put them out, when she puts the first couple up dont shoot them let her chase them. You want this little girl all fired up. After she gets going good then start to kill the birds over her. You are not asking to much from her and she will retain it. You need to build up that desire right now. She sounds very obedient but is not sure of herself. If you are worried about her getting to far from you put a 50 foot check cord on her