hi i find if im out at first light,and get my decoys out the birds come in around 6.30
just place your decoys out in to the wind
make a decent hide/cover
cover your face and wear gloves
stay out of sight till the bird has commited
then TAKE YOUR SHOT,
dont leave the hide till you have a few birds to pick up or adjust.
GOOD LUCK MATE
a dog is a dog,realy you can train any dog to retrieve,its just practice,yes a springer they are lovely dogs with family and working...REALY ITS UP TO YOU IN THE END,, my jack russell retrieves rabbits,not pigeons,she dosnt like the feathers.BUT SHE WAS BROUGHT UP ON RABBIT ONLY.good luck mate
i would have bought and fitted a cabinet looks better when feo comes and you would look serious about shooting,,,THATS MY EXPERIENCE,,,,,,,,,GOOD LUCK MATE,,,,NOWT TO WORRY ABOUT BE YOURSELF.OFFER A CUPPA TEA,BREAKS THE ICE