Memory and Marking the Fall – Retriever Training

Retriever Training – Tips on Memory Marking and Marking the fall

A great drill that you can perform with multiple dogs and hunting buddies is memory marking, which will be described here.  

This fun and easy drill can be performed with one or more dogs, as well as one or more friends.  To begin, throw bumpers into the water while your dog watches.  Tell your dog to heel and do not send him or her to retrieve the bumpers.

Next, take your dog(s) toward your hunting buddies, who should be tossing bumpers and shooting.  When a mark is thrown, pull your dog off the mark.  Instead, direct your dog away from that mark and towards the memory bumper, which is the bumper that was previously thrown into the water.  After one dog retrieves a memory bird, continue the drill by now steadying the first dog and making him or her sit quietly while your buddies shoo.  When you are ready, send the second dog after the memory in the water.  The more people and dogs that are involved, the better.  

This drill improves your dog’s ability to go after blinds while also creating a steady animal that honors your commands.