Lost nose

[Spear]

Last year my dog was pointing birds a good 10 to 15 feet away. This year he seems to march right up to them and points them sometimes only inches away. Did my dog loose his nose? The only thing I can think of is that he was sprayed by a skunk about a month ago. The smell still comes off him when he gets wet. Or do I need to let the bird sit longer before I take the dog out to find it, to make a stronger scent cone.

[Jixer]

Leaving them longer to build a better scent cone may work, but I would guess that your dog has simply learned that he can get close to the planted birds without flushing them. Take him out and work him cross wind on a bird. Try leading him 20 feet away across the scent cone, then 15 etc until you see a reaction. You should be able to figure if he scents them or not.

Quick and easy cure is to use a launcher. When the dog shows a reaction to scent, you pop the bird. He learns pretty quick that he needs to stop at first scent. Without a launcher, I would look at check cord work again. Lead him in cross wind, and when he shows a reaction, stop him.
Hunting season is coming up pretty quick. If the birds you put him on are more skittish than your planted birds, then he'll learn from them how close he can get. Just make sure you don't shoot a bird that he bumps.

[Spear]

Thanks Jixer.