Good stuff Scott!  Especially since your observations are from the point of view of a guy that experiences more such observations/scenarios in one season than most of us will experience in a lifetime.  It would be neat to hear some discussion/stories on how these "professional hunting dogs" develop during their first couple seasons.  I imagine the "bird sense" some of these dogs develop through so many bird encounters is phenominal.  It's got to be a blast to witness.   I've always said a young pup can develop a years worth of "normal" growth for every couple days experience in SD.  And it's a neat thing to see those dog's "lightbulbs" go on when it happens.  

Thanks for sharing your insights...did I mention I'm envious??

Probably another post Greg but I always say you will never know what your dog really knows about hunting but its more important to know what he doesnt know.

Scott wrote..."Therefore they often make a circle doubling back from the dog at a distance from the handler they feel safe with. I dont know how many times I have seen a dog work ahead and start to make a half moon around his motionless handler." HA! I used to go rabbit hunting with my grand daddy down in Virginia. I don't know if it's the same thing with fez...but the beagles would jump a rabbit and we just hunkered down where we were and sure enough, the rabbit would run zig zag for 50 yards or so and then arc left or right and then come RIGHT BACK to where they were jumped.
One time, we hunkered down in a ditch and the rabbit JUMPED RIGHT OVER ME with the dogs chasing him like Hell Hounds. Scared the CRAP out of me and I never took a shot! (-:

But I do wonder if the instincts are similar...with the fez thinking..."This running straight thing isn't working out too well so I think I'll hang a left or right."
Best, Jim