Let me start by saying that I don't like the term "meat dog". The purpose of a dog is to bring back the meat so it should be a compliment.

I guess I am one of the highfalutin dog guys because I own 3 HRCH/MH's and 3 HR retrievers. I hunt 30+ days a year and all of them get the chance to bring back the meat. Because time hunting is split between 6 dogs, they don't get as much on the job training as they would like. They actually get out of shape during hunting season.

Your retriever is missing out if you only work him during the season. The other 10 months my dogs get worked in training and get a chance to test their skills. The dogs get much more work during daylight savings time than they ever get hunting. If my dogs have shortcomings, we are able to work on the problem areas before we get to the field. The retriever events are also a lot of fun.

I hear the term "meat dog" when some yahoo brings a dog that has been in a kennel since the previous duck season. The dog barks, breaks, pees on my gun, eats ducks and is constantly running around flaring birds. The owner fills his pockets full of rocks prior to the hunt so his dog can find a duck to eat. The excuse is always "Ole Fido is just a meat dog". The term seems to come up when the hunt has been totally ruined by a dog.

Every serious dog trainer I know began training because they wanted a better duck dog. If you need any help training your dog, I would be more than happy to help.