[Steve Shaver]

No. I never (almost never) repeat the same mark. I can say I never repeat in the manner you describe.

Purchase Mike Lardy's Total Retriever Marking. It will teach you how to build marking concepts.

Basically you just start with marks with as few factors as you can find. This means short-ish cover, down wind, flat terrain, etc. As dog is successful, increase distance (in another location), or add factors such as terrain changes, cover changes, etc. As long as the dog is doing well - marking the bird, running to area rather than at gun, etc. add more challenge. If trouble, simplify.

I generally agree with Glen and I'm sure not one to say Mr Lardy is wrong but I don't like the idea of featureless golf coarse marks at any stage except for maybe the first week or two I have a new pup then I let the pup decide what kind of marks I throw. I prefer to throw marks with substance even for 8 and 9 week old puppies. I introduce puppies to AA cover and terrain but on a puppy scale making it easy for them to find the bird or bumper but still navigate through factors. I find that pups will navigate these factors without thought because they are running on pure instinct. It is when they get a little older and start thinking that they start caving to the factors so I like to build those habits before they get smart enough to avoid them. Basically I do this backwards working on terrain and cover and angles before distance and let the dog show me where to go from there.

 

[Steve Shaver]

Norma Jean at 9 weeks