RE: Steady to Wing/Shot
A few additional tips/thoughts on STW/S/F:
I use e-collars. If your dog knows " Whoa" and is collar conditioned, for corrections after you give a Whoa command when he is on point " fry him" when he breaks and command " No!" , " Here!" and heel the dog back, pick him up by the scruff of the neck and area of the skin by the back/tail, shake him and put him back down where he was pointing, same spot, same way, give a second shake and a firm " Whoa!" Then throw a pigeon from the same area in front of the dog' s face (but away from the dog) to simulate a flushed bird, and repeat " Whoa!"
A series of trainings like this will create steady to wing, shot and fall.
Once you have steadiness, when you produce a bird for the dog, from time-to-time shoot the bird and then heel the dog away, rather than send it for the retrieve. This reinforces steadiness as it doesn' t let the dog anticipate the retrieve. Also, from time-to-time have several gunners along, and when you produce the bird, have them launch a huge volley (all missing, of course) and be prepared to correct the dog if he breaks or takes steps. Have some " delayed" shots in that scenario as well---that also is a field experience that might occur--several hunters missing---and you want to teach the dog to remain calm despite all the noise.
Steady to Wing and Shot is all about " Whoa!"
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Peace.
"Always do the right thing- this will gratify some and astonish the rest."-- Mark Twain
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