I've always hunted pheasant without a dog..the birds are stocked on state land versus wild birds which im sure are much smarter...the best thing that works for me is walk a few steps and stop for a few seconds...9/10 times the birds will flush when you stop...it seems to make them nervous...if you just keep walking they seem to sit tight and wait for you to pass...its tougher..i always wanted a dog but that never fell through with my parents...