If you are worried about retrieving a bird. The best pratice is using a just shot limp warm bird. If your dog is a little timid about picking up a dead bird. Shoot one than play catch with it until he gets the idea. Just like a tennis ball. Of course you probably won't want to eat it later. After they get over the dragging it by one feather at a time, and learn it is easier to just pick the whole thing up and bring it to you. You won't have to worry; it will all be part of the game. Also, just becuse you play catch with it won't mean they will chew on it. They just need to get used to feel of a fresh bird.