How would you handle this?

[JT's Gundogs]

Dog is out in front hunting well on birds I have put down. I know where they are at since I planted them and I see one fly off well in front of my dog which doesn't notice anything. As the dog approaches the area where the bird was she establishes point. After about 10 - 15 seconds the dog becomes a little soft and realizes that the bird isn't there. So here is my question. I train diligently for field trials and would like to know how other trainers would handle this situation. Would you make the dog stand until released or allow the dog the freedom to move on at it's own choice? If you allow the dog to move on what is to stop it from moving in later on when it establishes point from a distance out or in a position where it isn't getting a good nose full? Possibly an error on my part but I have been trying to teach my dogs to establish point at first scent. Partly due to the well educated chukars I hunt and also for trials. Thanks for any comments.

[mudhunter]

if i knew the bird was gone i would hit the whistle and encourage the dog to move on, they need to learn old scent. No judge wants to see a dog pointing old scent.

[Sharon]

How old is the dog? If a young dog , I would say nothing and let it learn about old scent / fresh scent. I would keep moving on myself.

[rinker]

Do not teach a dog to false point. Whistle him on, or just let him figure it out.

[campgsp]

Move him on.

[DonF]

Sounds like a young dog to me too. ignore it, he'll learn to tell the difference.

[Hattrick]

Well said thats the same for all games an hunting. He will figure it out