Marking retrieves with two throwers

Why it matters

Working tests often use more than one dummy thrown from different spots. Teaching a dog to mark two falls and choose calmly which to collect first builds real field usefulness.

Set up

• Position two helpers a reasonable distance apart, each with a dummy.
• Keep the dog steady and watching between the two.

Run the drill

1. 1Have one helper throw first, then the other a few seconds later.
2. 2Send the dog for the retrieve nearest to it first, letting it choose if both are reasonable.
3. 3Bring the dog back for a sit and present, then send for the second dummy.

Make it harder

• Vary which dummy is thrown first so the dog cannot predict the pattern.
• Increase the gap between the two falls.
• Ask for the further dummy first to test the dog will hold the near one in memory.

Common mistakes

• Sending for both dummies without a return between them: bring the dog fully back and reset before the second send.
• Standing in the same spot for every session: move your own position so the dog learns to work off the fall, not off you.
• Rushing to two throwers before single marks are solid: the basics must be reliable first.