Question on mouthing: When introducing the puppy to birds, how much mouthing of the bird is allowed.  Should you step in of the puppy just seems to be grabbing the bird but not actually getting a hold.

I have always had golden retrievers and not had issues with mouthing but they were all older when I started them on birds, my next puppy will be a German Wirehaired Pointer, my first step into the breed and the only two I have seen here in the field have, according to their owners, tended to been mouthy.

Also as I only use dead birds, I am in Western Australia and only do kennel club retrieving tests (hunting and using live game is illegal) found with my previous golden retriever tying the bird to a rope and using that to get him to chase.  Is that a suitable option where use of clipped winged birds is not an option.

Thanks Anne