Dogs have instincts in the same way we have instincts from centuries of breeding and experience; it's in their blood, in their genes. I shot a grouse with a .22 in the vineyard with my current Lab at eight weeks. Jake had never seen a bird, dead or of that size.
Without a word from me, he ran out 20 yards, smelled the bird and came back. He went out again immediately and came back with a feather on his nose. Then, again to the bird, lifted it high to clear the ground and carried it to my left boot.
Instincts, you bet.
