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A gray-bearded man in suspenders crouches by a pond sprinkling grain to mallard ducks beside a calm red Golden Retriever. 17 / 38

Golden Retrievers Were Bred to Fetch Ducks. Copper Was Asked to Sit Beside Them.

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Evening light glows over the little backyard pond, where a handful of mallards paddle close to the edge. Roy crouches on the damp grass in a plaid shirt and gray suspenders, sprinkling grain from his fingers with a gentle smile, a few kernels splashing into the water. Right beside him, Copper sits tall and remarkably calm, his deep red coat glowing, his expression bright but composed as he watches the ducks. A drake with a shimmering green head drifts in the foreground, and a wooden fence, potted plants, and a softly lit lamp frame the peaceful scene.

Golden Retrievers were originally bred to retrieve ducks and other waterfowl for hunters, so a dog like Copper sitting quietly beside a flock is quite an accomplishment. Many Goldens feel a natural pull toward birds and water, and a reliable "stay" and "leave it" are worth practicing with plenty of rewards. When feeding ducks, wildlife experts often recommend skipping bread and offering small amounts of foods like cracked corn, oats, birdseed, or chopped lettuce instead. Check whether feeding is allowed in public parks. At ponds, keep dogs from drinking stagnant water, which can harbor bacteria or harmful algae.

The ducks get their supper, Roy gets a quiet moment by the water, and Copper earns serious bragging rights for good behavior. Not bad for a dog whose ancestors made a career of chasing ducks.

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