The Wagon Wheel Lining Drill
Mastering the art of subtle communication on line
Free 3-Module training course with Pat Burns
What You Will Learn
Tier One
Getting Started with Wagon Wheel Lining​
Tier 1 will work on basic lining skills as well as the 360 degree heeling mechanics.
Tier Two
Increase the Difficulty
Tier 2 will complicate the process and likely introduce more opportunities to utilize the ‘No-No Procedure”.
Tier Three
Mastering the Wagon Wheel
Tier 3 will challenge the most seasoned dogs and handlers. It will require precise lining and communication skills for both.
When traveling across the country coaching handlers of all levels, there are 3 things that I consistently see handlers struggle with.The first is the handler’s inability to tell where the dog is looking or to line them up accurately. Second is the challenge of getting their dog to move fluidly on line. And finally, the technique of seamlessly setting their dog up upon delivery for the next retrieve. I call it “First Look“.
On the surface, the wagon wheel lining drill will improve initial lines on blinds. But this drill is way more valuable than that. Like so many steps in training, the not so obvious benefits of a drill are often the most valuable. Wagon wheel is about perfecting the communication between you and your dog. It’s about conditioning your dog to respond to your most subtle movements, and it's about talking your dog into taking tough lines on both marks and blinds.
I’ve been thinking about the most recent National Amateur Retriever Championship. The 10th and final series was an intimidating water quad with 2 long retired guns and 2 shot flyers. Doreen Comrie and her dog Ptar were the first to attempt it.
Doreen and Ptar are first timers to the 10th series of a National. Can you imagine the pressure they were feeling?
After the marks were thrown, Doreen and Ptar picked up the first live flyer. The traditional next move would be to pick up the second flyer. This is when things got interesting. Instead of going to get the next flyer, Doreen lined Ptar up for the right hand long retired mark.
I thought “This is a gutsy move! She’s trying to win this thing.” Well, Ptar goes out and drills that long retired mark.
It took an incredible amount of control to leave that live flyer and instead send for the long retired. This is the kind of control and communication on the mat that I am referring to -that type of control that can only be achieved with careful repetition of drills like the wagon wheel.
Oh yeah, Doreen and Ptar were crowned the 2021 NAFC.
I have put together a FREE 3-module course for you. I will walk you through the most basic, and most advanced, parts of this drill. By the end of the 3 lessons, you will be on your way tomastering these often-overlooked techniques. You’ll be able to tell exactly where your dog is pointed and looking, and your dog will be much more responsive to the push and pull cues you give him on line. Sharpening these skills will play a huge role in your success on the weekends in both field trials and hunt tests. And maybe even the 10th series of a National. I know that it played a large part in determining this year’s National Amateur Champion.
Module 1
Getting Started with Wagon Wheel Lining​
Tier 1 will work on basic lining skills as well as the 360 degree heeling mechanics.
Module 2
Increase the Difficulty
Tier 2 will complicate the process and likely introduce more opportunities to utilize the ‘No-No Procedure”.
Module 3
Mastering the Wagon Wheel
Tier 3 will challenge the most seasoned dogs and handlers. It will require precise lining and communication skills for both.
You will be able to access this training for as long as you like.
(And it is mobile accessible in the field!)
What do you have to lose?? It’s FREE and suitable for dogs at every level of training. Think hard about your dog’s tendencies and habits on line. Is there room for increased understanding, increased compliance and composure? Then let’s work through this challenge together. I look forward to hearing your questions.