Five-Dummy Memory Retrieve Drill

Training a gundog to be accurate at marking and lining builds confidence, and trust during retrieves. This Five-Dummy Memory Retrieve Drill is a versatile exercise that combines foundational skills like directional handling and memory work with practical applications for real-world scenarios. Using tools like a dog place board simplifies the process, ensuring your dog stays focused and motivated.

At Anglian Dog Works, I like to design drills that break behaviours into small achievable goals; let’s break down this exercise into two exercises to help you and your gundog to succeed.

What Are Marking and Lining in Gundog Training?

Before diving into the drill, I will define to handling terms in gundog training:

Marking

Marking is when a dog watches a retrieve fall and remembers its exact location. This skill is vital for accuracy, as it allows the dog to pinpoint the dummy (or game) without unnecessary searching. 

Lining

Lining refers to the dog’s ability to run in a straight line toward a retrieve when sent. This requires trust in your direction and confidence to hold the line, even when faced with distractions.

Both skills are essential for a well-rounded gundog, and the Five-Dummy Memory Retrieve Drill enhances them in a controlled, repeatable way.

Why Use a Dog Place Board for Training?

A dog place board creates a defined target, making it easier to guide your dog to a specific location. Using a place board allows for consistent, successful repetitions during training without compromising your dog's confidence or enthusiasm for retrieves. The positive associations built with the place board will naturally transfer to other aspects of training, such as casting and lining.

Exercise 1: Foundation Work with a Place Board

This first exercise sets the stage for success, combining the place board with directional casting to build trust and understanding.

Setup

• Choose a clear visual marker like a tree, fence line, or field corner.
• Position the dog place board at this marker.

Steps

1. Introduce the Place Board

   • Put the Place Board down by your visual marker, cue Place, and reward your dog when on it. 
     

2. Heel Away and Cast

   • Heel your dog along the right boundary, turn to face them, and cast left as you say Place to send them to the target. 
   • Repeat on the left boundary, casting right.
   • Always go back to them in position to reward and release. 

3. Vary the Angles

   • Heel your dog 45 degrees away from the training platform and send them on a straight line back to it.
   • Practise sending your dog at slightly different angles (e.g., 30 and 60 degrees) to improve their ability to hold the line.

This exercise focuses on precision and directional control while keeping the training positive and consistent.

Exercise 2: Five-Dummy Memory Retrieve Drill

This advanced exercise integrates memory work and marking, challenging your dog to recall retrieve locations while maintaining focus.

Setup

• Remove the Place Board and throw five dummies near your visual marker where it had previously been and has been built up as a hot spot for your dog through working with the target. 

Steps

1. Retrieve the Marked Dummy

   • Send your dog for the fifth dummy as a marked retrieve. (Optional progression: Pick up this dummy yourself to reward calm behaviour instead of sending your dog.)

2. Memory Retrieves

   • Heel your dog a short distance away from the marker to introduce a memory test.
   • Send your dog for the remaining dummies using the following sequence:
     • Right cast to retrieve the first dummy.
     • Left cast to retrieve the second dummy.
     • Back cast to retrieve the third dummy.

3. 45-Degree Lining Test

   • Move your dog to a position roughly 45 degrees from the marker.
   • Send them on a straight line to test their ability to hold a subtle line with confidence.

Challenge

To increase difficulty, add distractions such as placing another dummy in a different area before sending your dog back to the original retrieve location.

Benefits of the Five-Dummy Memory Retrieve Drill

This drill is designed to develop key skills needed for success in the field. By practising these exercises regularly, you’ll see improvements in:

• Memory: Your dog learns to remember multiple retrieve locations, even with time or distance changes.
• Focus: Building confidence and clarity reduces hesitation and distraction.
• Control: Directional handling strengthens your ability to guide your dog effectively.
• Confidence: Using a place board for dog training builds trust to follow your handling.

Final Thoughts

The Five-Dummy Memory Retrieve Drill combines foundational training with advanced challenges, making it ideal for improving your dog’s marking and lining skills. Using tools like a place board and structured exercises from Anglian Dog Works, you can build a confident, reliable gundog.

If you’d like personalised guidance or want to learn more about place board dog training, explore our training services at ADW Anglian Dog Works.