EP 62: Well-Placed Birds and Better Marking Dogs

This week, Chris is joined once again by Tyler Brenner for a laid-back but information-packed training discussion. The guys start with a handful of practical training tips, including simplifying problems, knowing when to quit on a success, using "fun bumpers" to build momentum, and creative ways to reinforce confidence during basics.The conversation then dives deep into one of the most overlooked skills in retriever training: bird placement. Chris and Tyler break down what makes a bird "well placed," how factors like wind, cover, topography, obstacles, and water influence a dog's decision-making, and why great setups teach dogs without constant handler intervention. Chris also walks through a challenging reverse-order double he recently used with Autumn and explains how he taught through the problem without creating confusion.The episode wraps up with a discussion on marking dogs versus line-running dogs, creating tougher hunts, bridge birds, and how experienced handlers learn to read subtle cues from their dogs during high-level competition.Whether you're running Started dogs or chasing national-level events, this episode is full of practical training concepts you can apply immediately.