All I have to say is wow! I did what you said and after some "OMG, what is this?" from my dog she retrieved the duck and brought it back with absolutely zero issues! What really got me is that my dog went underwater after the duck after the 3rd time it dove. Not far, but she dipped her entire head in and came up with it. Im stoked, Im sure that she will be more than ready to hunt as she will be 9 months old by the time season rolls around! I cant thank you enough for the advice. I also think that it has to alot to do with the fact that I bought her from a very reputable breeder and she had an outstanding pedigree.