Cooperation characteristics are displayed in the Spinone by its self assurance and by clearly demonstrating a purpose when tracking. The inherent willingness to find game and its unmatched perseverance results in the successful retrieval of wounded game. The Spinone exemplifies the versatile hunting dog by tracking and retrieving game from the water, which often times becomes essential during the course of a hunt. The Spinone should exhibit no fear of the water, and while the method of entry is not important, the Spinone should enter the water with self-confidence. Dislike of water is considered a serious fault in a versatile hunting dog, therefore any dog showing a dislike or lack of self-confidence should be disqualified.
Cooperation is displayed by the willingness to enter the water at the request of the handler.
The Spinone's retrieving instincts make the dog a reliable retriever during the course of any hunt. After the handler shoots the game the dog marks the fall and relies on his nose to pinpoint the location. After picking up the game, cooperation is displayed by immediately returning to the handler with the game. If the hold is insecure, it should be considered a fault if the dog does not reestablish a better hold without loss of control of the game, and immediately continue the retrieve. When reaching the handler, the dog maintains the hold until commanded to release the game to hand.