Mantra to self this evening. Was trying to do bird work (with pigeons that still need to be close to their pen to return) with two dogs. Field left of me was being deer hunted so OUT. Field right of me (around small pond and small field anyway) whole family fishing. OUT. Another place across the road is optional but pretty far for the pigeons still. Started to set the launcher up and my hand slipped releasing the mechanism... good by bird. Flew completely the wrong way. I hope he circles back but decided not to risk it with my other pigeons since I only have 8 returning right now, and two are paired up with young.
SO
I thought well, I'll show the pigeons to the lab puppy and let them fly in the yard back to coop. Last bird landed on edge of my dog kennel with the dog I have been working through hard mouth. Then, you guessed it, dropped INTO the run!!! SERIOUSLY
I screamed WHOA (probably not the best trainer moment) and somehow the pigeon was grabbed then escaped, and the whoa was ignored, as I should have expected.
SO
moved indoors and taught my lab puppy how to shake hands. A very practical end to a toss up of an evening. :roll:
Sometimes you just have to shrug and go on with it...