My latest video blog is live and it’s all about one of my favorite advanced concepts: the Handle Into the Water Drill.

A blind retrieve can fall apart quickly, but the signs often appear before the breakdown. In this post, I share a real training moment and what it taught me about reading subtle cues in my dog’s behavior. Learn how awareness and timing can make the difference between a smooth run and a missed mark.

Most handlers don’t lose it in the field—they lose it before the dog ever leaves their side. In the critical five-foot circle, attitude, alignment, and connection make or break the send. This post unpacks how great handlers win with mindset and presence, using the A.S.H.E.A. framework to build control before the first cast. What happens here sets the tone for everything that follows.

The work doesn’t start at the line—it’s revealed there. In this video, we break down how line mechanics shape everything that follows. Learn how your presence, posture, and precision build trust before the cast, the cue, or the send. When things go wrong in the field, the real breakdown likely started on the mat. Watch now to tighten the picture where it matters most.

Hey there. I’m Pat Burns, and I want to talk to you about a lesson I learned a long time ago—one that still holds up, no matter how long...

Optimize your retriever’s performance! Learn expert canine conditioning tips to boost endurance, prevent injuries & keep them field-ready.

There’s something worse than a dog that cheats a factor.