Buck Boy,

If you lose your dog again, especially out in the field, merely leave a clothing garment of yours at or near the sight you last saw the dog. It will smell your garment sooner or later and will be close by it when you return. Remember, a dog's nose is it's #1 sense.
I'm happy to hear you got your dog back!

The Lab-Man (Labrador owner/trainer since 1963)