Indeed. Puking. Caught me off guard too.

Actually, I wonder if the two are related.

Here's the short, short version. Sarda, the 1 1/2 yr., went for her first excursion to the field today. Her first "real" hunt. In transitioning to "better" dove cover, we all kinda jumped a lone dove in some thick stuff. The dog gave flush/chase, I shot, she began her excited search for the fallen bird- but when she found it she urped up some clear fluid and refused to pick the bird up.

In training, she's eagerly retrieved dead and live fliers and retrieved under live (and popper) 12 ga. loads.

any suggestions as to how to go about understanding this situation and (perhaps) taking steps to remedy it?

-geoff

Geoff,

My guess is that your dog's 'burping up' had nothing to do with the retrieve or hunt. Did she drink a large amount of water or eat before you started the hunt? Sometimes when my dog starts heavy exercise shortly after drinking water, she will 'burp' it up. Usually on her way back with a bumper or bird. When this happens I just tell her to pick it up - which she does with great hesitation.
I would continue training with pigeons, doves, ducks or whatever. If the 'burping' continues to happen over the course of the hunt or a training session you might talk to a vet about the possible reasons or problems that are causing it.
Juli

Geoff,
Was this the first dove for this dog? The reason I ask is because of shock molting. This is very common in doves. I have had dogs gag picking up doves, due to excessive feathers in the air way. Doves are one bird all of my dogs pick up with caution.