IGP Redirect Decoy Setups

IGP Redirect Decoy Setups Explained

IGP redirect decoy setups are advanced bite work drills that teach a dog to disengage from one target and commit to another on cue. They produce reliable control in motion, sharp obedience under drive, and clean targeting that holds up in real life. At Smart Dog Training, we use structured redirect scenarios to layer control without killing motivation. Every step follows the Smart Method so the dog stays clear, confident, and willing.

Redirection is not a trick. It is accountability under arousal. When done right, it removes fixation, prevents conflict, and builds trust between dog and handler. A certified Smart Master Dog Trainer will balance motivation with fair guidance so your dog learns to make the right choice even when the picture changes fast.

How Redirects Fit Into the Smart Method

Our system is built on clarity, pressure and release, motivation, progression, and trust. IGP redirect decoy setups sit at the core of progression. We start simple and add speed, distance, and distraction step by step. Redirection reinforces clarity because the dog learns that cues have meaning even at full speed. Pressure and release give the dog a clear off switch and a clear green light. Motivation keeps the work joyful and powerful. Trust grows as the dog succeeds without confusion.

Safety and Prerequisites

Before you start any IGP redirect decoy setups, make sure the foundations are reliable. We do not guess. We test. Work with a Smart Dog Training professional so the plan is safe and fair for your dog.

• Out on command with a clean re-bite
• Recall under drive
• Heel position with focus
• Targeting on designated equipment
• Calm guard without chewing
• Comfort on a long line and in a fitted harness

Team roles must be clear. The handler controls line management and cues. The decoy controls picture, approach, and reward. Communication between handler and decoy is constant. If either role is unsure, pause and reset.

Equipment and Setup Basics

IGP redirect decoy setups need safe spaces and deliberate equipment choices. We keep it simple.

• Long line between 8 and 12 metres
• Flat collar or fitted harness appropriate to the dog
• Bite pillow or soft wedge for early stages
• Trial style sleeve or suit element for advanced stages
• Muzzle for high arousal proofing when needed
• Cones or markers to shape lanes

We plan exits and entry points for every rep. The decoy has a clear escape line. The handler has line control with no tangles. The dog has a straight line to target and a straight line back to the handler.

Core Principles for Effective Redirects

Clarity Comes First

Markers and commands must be precise. We use distinct cues for send, out, guard, recall, and redirect. In IGP redirect decoy setups, the redirect cue should remain unique and consistent. The dog must never guess. If the cue is late or muddy, we reset rather than force compliance.

Pressure and Release That Is Fair

We guide the dog into success and then release pressure the moment the dog makes the right choice. On a redirect, that means pressure stops the instant the dog disengages and turns to the new target. Then the decoy pays with a fast, clean presentation. The dog learns to turn off pressure by redirecting with speed and accuracy.

Motivation Drives Desire

We pay with what the dog loves. Big prey pictures early. Then more rules as the dog matures. The decoy becomes the paycheck. In IGP redirect decoy setups, the new target must always be worth it. That keeps the dog happy to leave one grip and commit to the next picture.

Setup One Early Redirect On Line

This is your foundation drill for IGP redirect decoy setups. We build the behaviour at a lower speed, then we add distance and motion.

1. Start with the dog on a long line in heel.
2. Decoy A is five metres ahead and still. Decoy B stands ten metres to the right with neutral body language.
3. Send to Decoy A for a brief bite on a soft wedge.
4. Cue the out. As the dog releases, handler steps back to create space.
5. The moment the dog releases and looks to the handler, give the redirect cue and point toward Decoy B.
6. Decoy B presents instantly and pays with a fast bite.
7. End with a clean out and a calm guard or a recall to food if needed.

Criteria to progress

• Dog turns on cue without handler dragging on the line
• Latency to redirect under one second
• Grip stays full and calm on the second bite

Troubleshooting

• Dog freezes on the out. Lower arousal by using a pillow and a shorter bite.
• Dog spins without focus. Tighten your point and timing. Decoy B must present immediately.
• Dog refuses the redirect. Reset picture and pay more on the second target for a few reps.

Setup Two Two Lane Redirect With Motion

This drill adds speed. The dog learns to change lanes at a distance. It is a key step in IGP redirect decoy setups because it builds commitment to the cue rather than to one decoy.

1. Place Decoy A and Decoy B in two lanes about eight metres apart.
2. Handler sends to Decoy A at moderate speed.
3. At the halfway mark, cue redirect and guide the dog across to Decoy B with line support only if needed.
4. Decoy B opens the picture big. Decoy A turns neutral and still.
5. Pay with a short fight. End with a clean out and neutral exit.

Criteria to progress

• Dog crosses lanes on cue without line pressure
• No vocal frustration on redirect
• Dog drives straight and hits the new target clean

Setup Three Call Off Then Reattack New Target

Now we link a recall into the chain. This scenario teaches choice and brings in more obedience control inside IGP redirect decoy setups.

1. Send to Decoy A for a brief bite.
2. Out and recall to heel. Pay with a quick food or toy marker in heel to keep the dog honest.
3. From heel, cue redirect to Decoy B and release. Then pay with a strong bite.
4. Finish with an out and guard.

Criteria to progress

• Recall is straight with no forging or spinning
• Dog launches to Decoy B only on the redirect cue
• Calm guard after the final out

Setup Four Transport Redirect Under Pressure

This drill mirrors real escort pressure. It anchors impulse control and decision making. It is an essential stage in IGP redirect decoy setups for dogs that push into the picture.

1. Dog outs on Decoy A and moves into a transport heel beside the handler.
2. Decoy A pressure builds with small shoulder checks and looks.
3. On cue, handler redirects the dog to Decoy B who appears from the side with a clear line of travel.
4. Decoy A goes neutral. Decoy B pays large and then freezes for an out and guard.

Key points

• Handler keeps a steady heel and a clean redirect cue
• Decoy B must be the cleanest picture of the day
• End with calm guard to pattern balance

Setup Five Blind Redirect From Hidden Decoy

Here we teach the dog to trust the handler cue even when the second picture is not visible at first. This is high value in IGP redirect decoy setups because it ends fixation on one helper and grows trust in the handler.

1. Decoy A is visible at distance. Decoy B is hidden behind a blind.
2. Send to Decoy A and out clean.
3. Handler gives the redirect cue and steps the dog toward the blind.
4. As the dog commits, Decoy B breaks the blind and pays into the dog’s line.

Watch for

• Dog hesitates. Shorten the distance to the blind and make Decoy B’s pay bigger.
• Dog scans. Tighten handler point and pre cue with attention if needed.

Setup Six Muzzle Redirect Patterns

When arousal is high or the dog is very fast, we use a fitted muzzle to keep everyone safe while we raise speed and difficulty. Muzzle work confirms that the behaviour is about the cue, not the equipment. In IGP redirect decoy setups, muzzle training lets us add speed, angles, and new surfaces without risk.

1. Start with short sends to Decoy A and immediate redirect to Decoy B with big movement.
2. Keep fights short and active. Pay with body pressure and quick wins.
3. Alternate left and right lanes to prevent patterning.

End every rep with success and a calm walk off to maintain balance.

Setup Seven Off Lead Proofing With Environmental Distractions

The final layer is off lead reliability in busy spaces. The plan stays progressive. We add only one new challenge at a time. This keeps IGP redirect decoy setups clean and fair.

• Change surfaces like grass to rubber to gravel
• Add sound like clatter or a whistle
• Add distance so the redirect happens far from the handler
• Use varying decoy speeds from still to sprint

We log each rep. If the behaviour slips, we drop one level and get a win before we try again.

Handler Mechanics and Timing

Great handlers make great dogs. In IGP redirect decoy setups, your body language matters.

• Face the target you want. Your shoulders and feet point the path.
• Cue once. Then let the dog make the choice.
• Give the line, do not throw it. Keep a soft belly on the rope.
• Step back on out to create space for the redirect.

Practice your timing without the dog first. Walk the steps with your decoy partner. A certified Smart Master Dog Trainer will coach your timing until it is smooth and repeatable.

Decoy Mechanics and Responsibility

The decoy controls arousal and clarity. In IGP redirect decoy setups this is critical.

• Decoy A must go neutral the moment the redirect cue happens.
• Decoy B must present instantly and pay fast.
• All fights are short and structured early. Quality over duration.
• Finishes are always clean with stillness for the out and guard.

We do not let the dog self reward by returning to Decoy A after the redirect. Neutral posture and lack of movement remove that option. If the dog tries, the handler blocks with the line and resets. Then we build a clearer success picture on the next rep.

Common Mistakes and Fixes

• Late cues. Fix with rehearsal without the dog and a clear verbal countdown between handler and decoy.
• Messy lines. Fix with shorter lines until the handler can manage slack and angle.
• Weak second payout. Fix by making the second target the best bite of the session for a few sessions.
• Over drilling. Fix by limiting reps and ending on a win to protect motivation.
• Stacking challenges too fast. Fix by changing only one variable per session.

Measuring Progress

We track three metrics in all IGP redirect decoy setups.

• Latency to turn on cue measured in seconds
• Grip quality on the second target full and calm
• Compliance rate across reps and sessions

When latency drops under one second and compliance holds at 90 percent across two sessions, we add a new difficulty like more distance or a new angle. If latency rises or grip frays, we step back and build again.

Sample Weekly Progression

This sample shows how we layer difficulty with IGP redirect decoy setups. Your dog’s pace may differ. We always adjust to the dog in front of us.

• Day 1 Foundation on line. Early redirect from Decoy A to Decoy B with soft wedge.
• Day 2 Two lane redirect with motion. Pay strong on the second target.
• Day 3 Call off to heel then re attack the new target. Short fights.
• Day 4 Transport redirect. Emphasis on calm guard at the end.
• Day 5 Blind redirect from hidden decoy. Big reveal and big pay.
• Day 6 Muzzle redirect with angles and speed. Safety first.
• Day 7 Off day or light review. End with easy wins.

We log outcomes and adjust. Progress is never rushed. It is earned.

Integrating Redirects With Obedience

Protection without obedience is noise. We always connect IGP redirect decoy setups with core skills.

• Out to heel transitions that are calm and fast
• Positions under distraction like sit, down, and stand
• Direct focus work like name response and eye contact

This keeps the dog’s head cool and the picture simple. Obedience and protection become one fluent chain rather than two different games.

When to Use Muzzle Work and When to Avoid It

Muzzle work is a tool, not a solution. We use it in IGP redirect decoy setups when speed and arousal exceed the team’s current safety margin. It protects the dog and the decoy while we add speed or blind work. We avoid it if the muzzle itself adds conflict or shuts the dog down. In that case we return to grip work on a wedge and rebuild confidence first.

Choosing Targets and Equipment

Target choice shapes the grip. Begin with a wedge or pillow so the dog learns to leave and retarget easily. Move to a sleeve or suit panel only when the dog redirects cleanly and the out is reliable. In IGP redirect decoy setups we do not switch equipment and difficulty at the same time. One variable changes while all others stay constant.

Real World Benefits

Redirects build stability that shows up everywhere. You will see a dog that listens in motion, powers up on cue, and powers down when told. You will see a dog that looks to the handler for the next move even when excitement is high. This is the heart of Smart Dog Training outcomes. Calm. Consistent. Reliable in real life.

Mid Session Support

Ready to turn your dog’s behaviour around? Book a Free Assessment and connect with a certified Smart Master Dog Trainer available across the UK.

FAQs About IGP Redirect Decoy Setups

What are IGP redirect decoy setups and why do they matter

They are structured drills that teach a dog to leave one decoy and commit to another on cue. They build control inside drive and stop fixation. Smart Dog Training uses them to create reliable behaviour that holds up under pressure.

When should I start IGP redirect decoy setups with my dog

After your dog has a clean out, a reliable recall, and basic targeting. A Smart trainer will assess your dog and map the right starting point so the work is fair and safe.

Do redirects reduce my dog’s power

No. When done correctly, they increase power by adding clarity. The dog knows when to go and when to stop. That removes conflict and keeps full commitment.

Can I practice this alone

No. You need at least one decoy and a handler. For safety and progress, work with a Smart Dog Training professional who can control picture and payoff.

How many reps should I do per session

Fewer high quality reps beat many sloppy reps. Three to six clean reps per setup are enough. End on a win and keep the dog hungry for more.

What if my dog refuses the second decoy

Make the second payout bigger for a few sessions. Shorten distance and reduce pressure. In IGP redirect decoy setups, the second picture must be clear and rewarding.

Is muzzle work required

Not always. It is a tool for speed and safety. If your dog is confident and controlled without a muzzle, we may not need it. Your trainer will decide based on your dog.

How long until I see results

Most dogs show clear improvement within two to four weeks of structured work. The exact pace depends on your starting level and consistency between sessions.

Work With a Smart Trainer

IGP redirect decoy setups demand timing, safe mechanics, and clear plans. That is why owners across the UK trust our certified team. If you want a skilled second set of eyes and a decoy who pays cleanly, you are in the right place.

Ready to get started today with a plan built for your dog and your goals Try our free planning call. Book a Free Assessment and we will map your first three sessions.

Conclusion

IGP redirect decoy setups are the fastest way to link power with control. When they follow the Smart Method, dogs learn to choose the right target at speed and to switch off cleanly when told. Start with simple, safe pictures. Pay big for the right choice. Add difficulty one step at a time. With Smart Dog Training guiding the process, you will see a steady climb in clarity, confidence, and results that last.

Your dog deserves training that truly works. With certified Smart Master Dog Trainers SMDTs nationwide, you will get proven results backed by the UK’s most trusted dog training network. Find a Trainer Near You