I want to voice some of the same plus a few extras concerning your EP. Your EP should have a natural range and that range will change depending upon the cover and how many people you hunt with. When hunting with my friends EP, if we were the only ones hunting, it would range 100+ yards ahead. If we had a crowd of about 8-9 hunters, to cover the line, it would range about 20 yards. The dog has to run 200 yardsor more to cover the line. That's perpendicular to the direct your walking, ie. one hunter every 30 yards. Concerning cover, your EP should adjust for it. Thick brushes, stays close. Open land, range far. It should know where you are at all times.

Remember, they have alot of energy. Dont be surprised if they range more than 200+ yards when first let out of the truck.They willstart to settle down after about an hour or so.

Your EP, if it came from good stock, will know where to find the birds. So, I suggest letting the dog hunt and you guide it.