Mostly we train dogs to be steady "near Us"....sitting at heel. More often than not this is not always possible when hunting. The situational expectation is different. Therefore, many dogs have a steady problem.
A few years ago, Pat Nolan posted this link.....
A New Approach to Being Steady (link)
The premise is "don't make the line a launching pad in training". Using this basic approach, my dogs have been taught they will not be released from a hide, stand or any remote position to make most retrieves. They must come to heel beside me before doing so. This accomplished several new expectations 1) correct responsiveness with respect to who decides what's next, 2) any
momentum to fire on a downed duck is tempered by permission and 3) being sent from a different position is simpler.
In essence, the dog is taught a new expectation......in training....and proofed in the field.
Whenever possible my hunting dogs do "here/heel" before they hear their name. They are looking for my input first.
Don't allow yourself to become a "potted plant". Responsiveness in dog is asking the question "What do you want me to do next?"
Excellent points!
Here is what I mean by control being self-imposed by the retriever, as opposed to externally controlled by the handler:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1cPpWXeFnc
The retriever sits because that he quickly learns that behavior triggers the launcher or shot flyer...
I think it also helps to have a discrete barrier while dove or waterfowl hunting.
I hunt my dogs out of camo plastic sleds (also used to carry and pickup decoys) and that is the physical barrier they must not leave until verbally released by the handler (me).
A camo plastic sled also helps keep the dog dry...I put a ridgerest camping mat inside and turn-over the sled to drain as needed.
If it is hot while dove hunting, you can put cool water in the sled
Learning "on the job" is often unpredictable and inefficient.
Here is a video of two retrievers trying to figure out the expectation. The sequence of "who had to be where" was kind of amusing, but we worked it out.
Two Dog "Steady" Drill (YouTube - link)
The rule is "A hide (or retrieving position) is not a
launching pad".