On a recent Kansas hunting trip, my son and I got into a covey of quail. We both shot about the time the quail were flying into a row of cedar trees. I couldn't see the bird I was on when I pulled the trigger because it had just flown into the cedars. My son, who had a better view, assured me I hit mine and I asked if he got his bird. He said; "I shot both wings off of mine." And I responded "What?!" I walk over, and there are two wings on the ground near a cedar tree. The dog brings me a bird with two wings, with the top part of the skull shot off (lucky shot, I'm definitely
not that good). Then sent the dog to look for the other bird. He went back into the cedars, but not near the wings. I was sure the wingless quail was somewhere nearby and called him back and made him search just that area. A minute or so later, my son tells me he hears a quail, and it's moving. I assume it's another bird from the covey, and keep calling the dog back. Finally let the dog search on its own, but he never did find the wingless bird. I'm wishing I had trusted the dog more, he probably could have found that cripple if I had let him search where he wanted while the scent was fresh.
Always trust the dog, unless you can smell better than it can.

I've had several really good dogs, but none were perfect. Neither am I, so keep that in mind!