My last three pointers were fall pups. They had not yet been hunting or had birds shot over them before I put them through the breaking process at ten to twelve months old. All three broke right out and had successful hunts without CCs their first season. I only remember a couple of covey bumps out of all three. All dogs are different. Anecdotal information is not always reliable. I assure it wasn't due to me. Do you think pointing dogs I general will be easier to break before they have retrieved?

Bill in my case, and I know next to nothing, teaching maddie to retrieve first I think is adding significant difficulty to teaching the other side of the house.