08/28/2026
Everyone always asks, “How do you change the setup for each dog?”
Well… here’s a look at how we did exactly that today! 👇🐾
Same basic setup. Different expectations depending on where each dog is in training. The goal is to challenge each dog without asking for more than they’re ready to handle.
🎯 FINISHED & UPPER-LEVEL DOGS
• Throw M1 — no-off and run B1.
• As the dog is turning into heel, M2 is thrown. Send for M2.
• Return with M2, then run M3 as a single.
• Come back and pick up the memory bird, M1.
• Finish by running B2, looking for those direction changes and clean handling.
🐕 SEASONED / SENIOR DOGS
• Throw M1 as a single to introduce and teach the memory bird.
• Throw M1 again, no-off and run the blind.
• Come back and throw M2 as a single.
• Return with M2, then pick up the memory bird, M1.
• Run M3 as a single.
• Finish by running B2.
The concept stays similar, but we’re giving these dogs a little more help and building their understanding of the memory bird.
➡️ TRANSITION DOGS — JUST LEARNING TO HANDLE
• Come to the line and run B1 as a cold blind.
• Throw M1 as a single and pick it up.
• Throw M1 again, but this time no-off and run B1.
• Return and run M2.
• Now remember M1 and go get it! A fake throw from the gunner might be used to help if needed.
• Finish by throwing M3 as a single.
• These dogs do not run B2.
🐶 YOUNG DOGS — BETWEEN FORCE FETCH & COLD BLINDS
We keep it simple:
• M1 — Single
• M2 — Single
• M3 — Single
Same field. Same marks. But four completely different versions of the setup based on what each dog needs that day.
That’s a big part of dog training that people don’t always get to see. We aren’t just setting up a test and seeing whether every dog can survive it. We change the picture, simplify concepts, add challenges and adjust expectations to fit the individual dog.
The goal isn’t just to get through today’s setup.
The goal is to use today’s setup to build a better dog for tomorrow. 🦆🐾
