Advanced Memory Marking Drills: Taking Recall to Trial Level
Hello, retriever enthusiasts! Welcome back to the Flying High Retrievers blog. Yesterday we covered the core drills for building memory marking, starting with visible singles and progressing through delayed sends and retired multiples. Today we push those foundations further with more advanced variations. These drills assume your dog is already solid on the basics, holding a picture through moderate delays and full gunner retires. Now we increase pressure with longer waits, greater distances, environmental factors, and tighter sequencing to prepare for the demands of serious field trials or hunt tests. The goal remains no whistles on marks, gunner help preferred if any fade occurs after the send.
Why Advanced Drills Are Necessary
Basic memory marking gets the dog through early levels, but trial-ready dogs must hold complex pictures under real pressure: extended delays, heavy cover, wind, water, or multiple retired gunners. These drills build on yesterday’s work by adding realism and difficulty while reinforcing the same principles: post-fall microadjustments to confirm gunner/target split, reading cues during waits (scanning, breath absence), and ideal selection for flexible order.
Start only when yesterday’s drills are consistent. Watch for shoulder drops, momentum loss, or scanning during delays—these are your signals to use gunner help or shorten the wait before progressing again.
Advanced Memory Marking Drills
Extended Delay Single with Movement Setup: 250-300 yards, full retired gunner.
Show gunner/target, call for the fall.
After the fall, wait 2 to 3 minutes. During the delay, walk the dog away (out of sight of fall), then return.
After return, read cues and microadjust to lock gunner/target split before sending.
Send on strong "way out" cue, followed by name.
Goal: Dog holds picture through time, movement, and distance. Layer scent (drake mallard more pronounced for distance).
Tip: If scanning occurs, gunner help to refocus. Gradually extend delay to 5 minutes.
Retired Triple with Full Delay & Terrain Setup: Three stations, 300+ yards long, 200 medium, 125-150 short retired, with cover or wind.
Show all gunners, fall order: long (drake mallard, more pronounced), medium (neutral), short retired (hen pheasant, subtler).
All gunners retire fully after their fall.
After each fall, microadjust to split gunner/target on that mark.
Delay short send 90-120 seconds, using the time for final adjustments.
Send ideally: long first, medium second, short last.
Goal: Dog holds all three pictures through full retires, delays, and factors. Gunner help if fade occurs.
Tip: If overrun short, softer cue next time—ideal selection gives flexibility.
Memory Double with Walk-Away & Return Setup: Two stations, 250 yards long, 150 yards short retired.
Show both gunners, fall long first (visible), then short retired.
After short fall, walk dog away 30-60 yards (out of sight), then return.
On return, microadjust post-fall to confirm gunner/target split on short.
Send on short retired.
Goal: Dog commits to short retired after movement and delay without pulling to long.
Progression: Swap fall order, add cover or wind.
High-Distance Retired Single (Endurance Test) Setup: 350-400 yards, full retired gunner.
Show gunner/target, call for fall.
After the fall, delay send 2-3 minutes. Use time for microadjustments to lock split.
Send on strong "way out" to emphasize commitment.
Goal: Dog holds picture at extreme distance through delay.
Tip: Layer bold scent (drake mallard) to aid long memory.
Retired Quad with Staggered Delays (Trial Simulation) Setup: Four stations, varying 200-350 yards, all retired.
Show all gunners, fall order: longest first, then staggered delays (30 sec, 60 sec, 90 sec, 120 sec).
After each fall, microadjust to split gunner/target on that mark.
Send ideally: longest first, then next longest, etc.
Goal: Dog holds four pictures through full retires and staggered delays. Gunner help only if significant fade.
Tip: Watch for scanning or momentum loss—adjust delay length if needed.
Practical Tips for Success
Daily: End sessions with one advanced retired single to reinforce.
Cues: Absence of deep breath during delay = potential fade, use gunner help.
Breed notes: Labs may power through delays; Goldens may need more gradual increases.
Video: Record to analyze cue timing and line drift during waits.
Avoid: Jumping to long delays too fast; frustration erodes memory.
These advanced drills turn solid memory into trial-level reliability. Your dog will hold pictures under pressure, nailing retired birds in trials or hunt tests. Your partnership will soar.
Questions or experiences to share? Leave a comment below or message us on Instagram @FlyingHighRetrievers. Training thrives through collaboration!
Get Ready to Soar,
The Flying High Retrievers Team
