I'm relatively new to hunting, and have taken a real interest in pheasant hunting. I'm hesitant to get a new bird dog pup, since we've already got two medium-large sized dogs as house pets (a 3rd dog is absolutely out for now.) We've got a lab/GSD mix who is 6 or so years old. She isn't gun shy, in fact she has always gotten really excited when I get out any of my guns and always insists on going out plinking with me.

She is absolutely obedient, to the point she took off after a deer once at a full sprint, only to stop dead in her tracks and return to me when I yelled at her. She loves to play fetch and will always bring me whatever she picks up in the yard, and knows the "give" command. She's dumb as a stump, but lives to please.

Is there any hope she could make a decent bird dog? I don't expect her to be a world stopper, but it would be nice to put her to work if possible. Any tips or advice you guys have? Is there any way to "test" her to see if she is a "birder" or not? I'm going pheasant hunting this weekend/next week and plan on bringing home some wings to work with her.

If she's OK with the gun and biddable, she should be able to flush a few pheasants for you.

Take it easy at first, and make sure that 4 or 5 shotguns don't start blazing away right over her head the first few times she flushes a bird for you. In fact, I'd hunt her when I was alone...

If you can get your hands on some pigeons, you can pull a few flight feathers and let her give chase. You can also plant a couple and let her flush 'em for you...then you shoot the pigeon.

The most important thing is to let her know she has to stay close to you in the field. Establish the boundaries early so that you can assure she'll flush birds you find within range.