Handle Into the Water Drill: Why Advanced Drills Matter
- Pat
- Nov 6
- 2 min read
Every trainer reaches a point where their dog hits a wall....
A sticking point that every day setups can’t fix.
That’s where advanced drills come in. They’re not just about complexity; they’re about precision, purpose, and building the instincts a high-level retriever needs in competition and the field.
In my latest video blog, I talk about the Handle Into the Water Drill, a focused exercise that challenges dogs to take a 90 degree lateral cast into the water on a blind when their intention is to stay on land. It’s a skill that can make or break a run, and it’s the kind of problem-solving we all face.
This concept came to mind watching a recent Super Retriever Series event that featured an unorthodox water blind. That setup demanded exactly what this drill develops: conviction, control, and a handler who knows how to communicate clearly when the dog’s intentions says otherwise.
At the upcoming Burns Rorem Seminar in Boston, GA , December 18–21, we’ll dive deeper into advanced drills like this one. Drills designed to help dogs of all ages master the key skills that separate a good dog from a great one. Click here to learn more.
These drills are designed to improve specific tasks like taking direction when it matters most, learning to trust the handler even when instinct resists. When you understand the why behind these drills, you start to see your setups—and your dog’s responses—through a whole new lens.
If you want to see these drills come to life, join us in December as an Observer. You’ll get to watch real-time training, hear the reasoning behind every move, and take home practical lessons to apply in your own work.
Until next time,
Pat Burns
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