I have used the check cord with some success and I like the bird idea. I also used to change directions when he got out a bit too far. I used whistle commands to get the dog moving in the direction I wanted.

However, I think that when a dog gets on a hot track of a pheasant what do you really want him to do. I tried to keep my dog working close to me and when they got on a track I tried to stay close. I think it is like the discussions I have read about what a lab or pointer for that matter should do at the shot. Some want them to sit until sent and others want them to be there when the bird hits the ground as long as you can call them back on a miss.

I think working to keep the dog close is the answer and I would not get too upset when it runs down a bird that might be a bit too far out. If the dog is working fairly close and finds a bird it should be in shooting range. But if the dog is working out at 50 yards you pretty much are only going to see all the birds it finds.