A perfect example of why steady to shot makes sense - that's pretty tall grass! This was shot at Nebraska's Pheasant Bonanza; the photo is by Nancy Anisfield
Along with the other things we’re practicing, Manny is now learning that a gun shot means “whoa.” Yep, I sometimes shoot birds that fly wild, nowhere near my dogs … especially on a slow day, the first day, the last day, or any day when the adrenaline is flowing faster than the wisdom. When I actually hit something, I want my dogs to find it.
By stopping to the shot (or a flush, or a command or a whistle) Manny and Buddy might actually see the bird drop. If not, at least they are ready for the fetch command and a hand signal assist to the right general area. When a chukar tumbles among the rockfalls and scree, I like to think they appreciate the heads-up – literally.
In the NAVHDA Utility Test, there are several instances where a shot-whoa sequence will come in handy: after pointing birds in the field, sure. But also when standing at the duck blind, watching birds fly and hearing shots from several directions including from me! The duck search also includes a shot prior to sending him to the water, where he should remain calm and at my side … so you can see how this training might help.
That said, do you think there are any downsides to “whoa to shot?”
As an aside, I’ve found many uses for a long whistle as another “whoa” command, much like the retriever guys use. And last night, Manny did me proud – 150 yards from me, he locked up tight when I blew! Good boy!
Scott Linden Outdoors 
Sounds like your well on your way The blind duck search is where Duffy my griffon stumbled,we were the first ones and it was tough. If I do it again I’ll try to go last because there will be ducks out there that have not been found and some quacking if he hears that he’ll search for hours.
Jim
We are doing a lot of “duck searches” on dry land now and will hit the water once it thaws. Our NA test was like your UT – we went to the water first and set the bar … low.
I’m enjoying your “road to the utility test” series.
Thanks. Manny and I will need all the mojo we can get!
sounds look good training ideas all around (but I would expect no less from you). I can’t see any downsides really. I do know that going to steady to “wing and shot” can sometimes cause a dog to lose a bit of marking ability. But I do feel further working them on hand signals and maybe using a bumper launcher will help increase their longer distance marking. At least it has helped with our dogs. Maybe one day Luna will be steady enough that I feel i can safely bring a gun out too. Right now we are working on honoring, which is proving harder than most thought. She likes her own birds lol.
Anna
http://www.akginspiration.com
Anna, we are starting to stretch the length of retrieves for that very reason. It is a big challenge but I’m hopeful the bumper launcher will help. Honoring is next year’s challenge!