me and my mate use my chocolate lab, we went on a new shoot and between us lost about 6 pigeons in thick brambles and cover, after that we decided to use my lab, he seemed to find them and pick them up naturally, retrieving took abit of training, but not much.. now as soon as my gun bag comes out he goes mental, absolutley lives for it, some situations are perfect for dogs, others not so.. if you have a keen dog use it mate, even if they do scare a few off, still good to watch atb mate