Backing Drills: Remote Backing Dog vs. Dummy Silhouette — Which Is Better?

When it comes to developing a reliable, well-rounded pointing dog, backing drills are an essential part of your training program. Teaching your bird dog to honor another dog's point not only sharpens his instincts in the field, but it's also a requirement in many field trials and hunt tests. For years, trainers have used everything from plywood cutouts to handmade silhouettes to build this behavior. But now, remote backing dogs offer a modern, more dynamic solution.

So what’s the difference? Which tool gives you the edge when training for real-world performance? Let’s break down the pros and cons of each method and see why more trainers are turning to remote backing dogs like the one offered by Asher Products.

The Traditional Dummy Silhouette

Dummy silhouettes have been around for decades. Usually cut from plywood or plastic and painted to resemble a pointing dog, these flat figures are staked into the field to simulate another dog on point.

Pros:

• Inexpensive and easy to make yourself

• Lightweight and portable

• Can be used to introduce young dogs to the concept of backing

  
  

Cons:

• Completely static: no motion, no change in position

• Dogs often become wise to the trick after a few sessions

• Doesn’t simulate the unpredictable nature of a real hunt

  
  

Trainers who use silhouettes often find that they work well in the early stages of backing drills. But over time, dogs begin to realize the silhouette is just a prop. They may stop honoring altogether or become inconsistent when the scenario changes. That’s where the value of dynamic training tools comes into play.

The Remote Backing Dog: Realistic, Repeatable, and Rugged

Asher’s Remote Backing Dog is designed to elevate your training by adding movement, remote control, and lifelike realism to your drills. Built from high-quality aluminum and weighing in at just 15 pounds, it’s a rugged tool that can withstand years of hard training in the field.

Key Features:

• Remote-controlled lift and lower function from up to 300 yards away

• Realistic design mimics a dog on point with precision

• Durable aluminum construction with a weather-resistant finish

• Fast setup and easy to deploy in different training environments

  
  

Training Advantages:

• Allows you to simulate multiple scenarios without moving your dog

• Keeps the dog guessing, increasing attentiveness and honoring behavior

• Great for advanced dogs and those prepping for competitions

  
  

With the ability to raise and lower the silhouette from a distance, trainers can control exactly when the backing dog is "spotted" by their trainee. This level of realism helps reinforce honoring in a way that traditional silhouettes simply can’t match.

Why Realism Matters in Bird Dog Training

Dogs learn best through repetition and realism. When your training sessions feel like the real thing, your dog is more likely to generalize those behaviors to actual hunting situations. The Remote Backing Dog bridges the gap between staged drills and real-world encounters.

Plus, because the backing dog is portable and easy to adjust, you can change positions frequently, run multiple backing scenarios, and challenge your dog in new ways with every session. Whether you’re training for AKC Senior Hunter tests, field trials, or just want a trustworthy hunting partner, a remote backing dog gives you unmatched versatility.

Who Should Use a Remote Backing Dog?

While the remote backing dog is an advanced tool, it's beneficial for both amateur trainers and professionals who want better results, faster. It's particularly valuable for:

• Trainers preparing dogs for field trials or AKC hunt tests

• Serious upland bird hunters who demand top performance

• Kennels working multiple dogs at various skill levels

• Handlers looking to simulate multiple training scenarios quickly

  
  

If you’ve ever struggled with keeping a dog steady on a back, or if your silhouette setup just isn’t cutting it anymore, a remote backing dog can be a game-changer.

Is It Worth the Investment?

Absolutely. While a remote backing dog is more expensive than a DIY silhouette, the return in training value is significant. You’ll save time, increase your dog's reliability, and build confidence in honoring another dog’s point. With Asher’s high-quality build, this isn’t a short-term tool — it’s a lasting piece of your training arsenal.

Every detail of Asher’s Remote Backing Dog is designed with the field in mind. From the powder-coated aluminum to the rechargeable remote operation, it’s built for trainers who take their bird dog training seriously.

There’s a reason why more trainers are choosing remote backing dogs over static silhouettes. The flexibility, realism, and control you get from a tool like Asher’s Remote Backing Dog simply outperforms traditional methods. Whether you’re just introducing backing or fine-tuning for competition season, this tool helps take your training to the next level.

Ready to upgrade your program? Order the Remote Backing Dog today and experience the difference firsthand.