Microadjustments at the Line: Gunner & Target Recognition for “Under the Arc” Sends
Hello, retriever enthusiasts! Welcome back to the Flying High Retrievers blog. After last week’s focus on reading your dog’s nonverbal cues, both at the line and on the run, we are now drilling down to the moment just before the send: microadjustments. These small “here” and “heel” tweaks are what separate good lines from great ones. The goal is to get the dog locked on both the gunner (who fired) and the target (where the bird fell), then split the difference for an “under the arc” send. That slight angle under the flight path gives the best chance of a straight, confident line without swinging wide or cutting short.
Why Microadjustments Matter
In a multiple-mark setup, dogs naturally want to run straight to the bird they see falling. But in blinds or pressured marks, suction, wind, cover, or memory can pull them off line. Microadjustments, tiny heel pivots and here re-centers, help the dog recognize both the gunner (source of the shot) and the target (fall location), then average them. This creates a line that runs just under the arc of the fall, avoiding over-runs, under-runs, and unnecessary handling later.
Without these, dogs often lock only on the fall and run flat or flare wide, or fixate on the gunner and angle too high. Splitting the difference builds the straightest, most efficient path, especially critical in field trials where relative scoring suffers from poor initial lines and extra handling.
Gunner Recognition vs. Target Recognition
Gunner Recognition — The dog must see the gun station as the origin of the shot. This anchors memory to the handler’s cue and prevents “casting themselves” toward the gunner instead of the bird.
Target Recognition — The dog must lock on the actual fall point (splash, cover, or bumper). This is what they will hunt when they arrive.
The Split — The ideal send line is halfway between gunner and target. This “under the arc” angle keeps momentum forward, minimizes wind drift, and sets up a clean hunt at the end.
Microadjustments ensure the dog sees both clearly before you send.
How to Execute Microadjustments
Show the Gunner First
Heel the dog to face the gunner station. Use “there” or quiet praise when ears prick and head locks. If eyes wander, small “here” or “heel” to recenter.Pivot to the Target
Heel or “here” to swing the dog toward the fall point. Watch for the big deep breath or steady stare, confirmation they see the target.Micro Tweaks to Split the Difference
If the dog is too far toward the gunner: small “here” (right pivot) to bring eyes back toward target.
If too locked on target: small “heel” (left pivot) to pull focus back toward gunner.
Goal: head settles halfway between the two. You will see ears forward, body square, tension balanced.
Confirm & Send
Once split, use “good” or quiet praise, then send with your normal cue (“back” for blinds, name for marks). Hand over head for emphasis birds, soft for easy retired ones.
Practical Tips & Common Fixes
Start with singles: Show gunner, pivot to target, microadjust until split is perfect, then send. Build to doubles/triples.
Wagon wheel integration: Use the circle to practice pivots, align to one bumper (gunner), micro to next (target), send.
Watch for cues: Dropping shoulder during adjustment? They are leaning toward one, counter immediately.
Avoid over-adjusting: 2 to 3 small moves max. Too many confuse the dog.
Terrain factors: Uphill falls need slightly higher split; wind pushes need more gunner bias.
These little tweaks compound. A dog that consistently gets the under-arc line runs straighter, hunts cleaner, and needs less handling, improving relative scoring in field trials and building confidence in the field.
Wrapping It Up
Microadjustments are the bridge between line mechanics and in-motion success. By getting gunner and target recognition, then splitting for that under-the-arc send, you give your dog the clearest path forward. Practice these daily, and watch your lines tighten.
Questions or wins from trying this? Drop a comment or DM on Instagram @FlyingHighRetrievers. Training thrives through collaboration!
Get Ready to Soar,
The Flying High Retrievers Team
