Sharpening Your Retriever's Lining Skills: Three Drills for Success

Lining is one of the most critical skills a retriever can develop. Whether you’re hunting in marshes or dry fields, a dog that can consistently take straight lines will lead to faster and more efficient retrieves.

There are many lining drills you can practice, but here are three simple and effective drills you can start with right now to improve your dog’s lining abilities.

1. Lining Memories

The Lining Memory is one of the simplest yet most effective drills you can run. They are versatile and can be adapted to various terrains, making them an essential part of your training routine.

To perform a lining memory drill:

• Choose a start point and an endpoint.
• Walk in a straight line with your dog at heel.
• Upon reaching the endpoint, stop, throw out a bumper, and then return to the start point with your dog still at heel.
• Ensure your dog is properly lined up (as outlined in our online courses), then send it on the retrieve.

Your dog should run straight to the bumper and return directly to you. Whether you’re working on short or long retrieves, lining memories should be a go-to drill. Practice them in different scenarios—low cover, high cover, on hillsides, and more. Training in varied conditions will help your dog master the skill and meet the four stages of learning required for full proficiency.

Focus on pinpoint accuracy during this drill. At Cornerstone, we believe in training to the highest standard. If you want your dog to excel when it counts—whether in the field or tests—train with that standard in mind.

2. Wagon Wheel

The Wagon Wheel drill is another excellent exercise that can be tailored to your dog’s skill level. It’s particularly useful as a tune-up before a weekend hunt.

Here’s how to keep it simple:

• Use four bumpers, which can either be thrown as marked retrieves or placed in four different directions as blind retrieves.
• Choose a spot where you can either throw or launch the bumpers in various directions.
• Place the bumpers in four directions around a central point.
• Line your dog up in the direction you want it to go, then send it on the retrieve.

The Wagon Wheel drill is valuable for keeping your dog sharp and focused on taking the correct line. Regular practice will reinforce your dog’s understanding of directional commands.

3. Pattern Blind Retrieves

Pattern blinds are another powerful tool for building your dog’s confidence and honing its lining technique. Although we’ve covered pattern blinds in a previous blog post, it’s worth reiterating their importance here.

When running pattern blinds:

• Take your time, and don’t settle for anything less than perfect lines.
• If your dog struggles with a pattern blind, simplify the drill and gradually increase the difficulty.

Pattern blinds work similarly to lining memories, but they push your dog’s skills further by requiring it to trust your direction without having seen the bumper placed. With consistent practice, your dog’s confidence and ability to take straight lines will improve.

Don’t Neglect the Small Details

Now that you’ve got three solid drills to improve your retriever’s lining, you might think you’re all set. But there’s more to it.

Training isn’t just about running drills—it’s about focusing on the details. It’s easy to be satisfied with “close enough” during practice, but this mindset won’t hold up under real pressure when birds are coming in hot. Training to a higher standard will ensure your dog performs efficiently when it matters most.

What Does It Mean to Focus on the Details?

Every training session should be an opportunity to refine your dog’s skills. One day, you might focus on sharpening lines; another day, you might extend the distance or work in different covers. The goal is to make your dog better every time you train—never settle for less.

The 75/250 Rule

Finally, consider the 75/250 rule. If you’ve put in the work but your dog is still struggling with lining on a hunt, this rule might explain why.

The 75/250 rule aligns with the four stages of learning. On average, it takes 75 successful repetitions for a dog to acquire a skill (the first stage of learning). It’s not until your dog has completed 250 successful repetitions that it becomes fluent in that skill (the second stage). Even then, two more stages remain before your dog is fully proficient in performing the skill anytime, anywhere.

This might sound like a lot, but if your dog isn’t yet performing well in the field, it likely needs more successful repetitions. Keep practicing, and you’ll be amazed at the results.

By applying the tips and drills covered here, you should see your dog running straighter lines, leading to more efficient retrieves in the field.

BuildFromHere,

Joshua Parvin

P.S. Want to simplify your training? Check out our online courses to find the perfect program for you and your dog.