Chewing up birds

[KoopHawk]

My 3 year old shorthair started chewing up downed pheasants this year instead of retrieving them like she had done her first two years. I was just wondering if anyone had any advice as to how to make her quit and/or what made her start doing this?

[Philydog]

My shorthair started doing that at about the same age. I spent time that off season working on retrieves with both a wire brush and a frozen bird, i also spent time having her just hold them. I think this may happen with dogs after they get spurred by a wounded one a few times.

[mwal]

My Deutsch Drathaar Greta was very gentle on birds until a rooster pecked her in the eye. Now she stops and kills any crippled bird. She wont chew or shake it if its dead. I cannot get her to break the habit. She does not shake or kill crippled waterfowl. They don't have sharp beaks and spurs. Smart dog

Mwal

[KoopHawk]

Thanks guys. I was also told to wrap a bird with barbed wire and let her chew into that a few times until she learns to carry them gently. I guess I'll just give everything a try?

Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated!