All great ideas. A buddy's Lab would range out too far and he worked with it where it wouldn't range too far out ahead of him....something that's usually more of a problem to pointing breed owners. If the dog listens good to voice (or whistle commands), keep it within your shooting range at all times and don't let it get that far away. If it doesn't...you'll need some work with a check cord and will probably want to start over again working in an environment without birds until pooch has got it down that it has to range closer to you.