The “No Free Lunch” Rule: Why Every Session Must Earn Its Keep
Hello retriever enthusiasts,
Dave and Ty Rorem have long maintained a principle that is as simple as it is uncompromising: there is no free lunch in retriever training. Every session must earn its keep. Every repetition must reinforce the correct behavior, and no deviation — no matter how small — should be allowed to pass without consequence.
This is not about harshness or over-correction. It is about consistency and respect for the dog’s development. When a handler lets a dog creep a fraction of an inch, delay the sit on a whistle, or swing wide on a line, that behavior is not merely overlooked; it is learned. Over time, these small allowances become habits, and habits become faults that appear at the worst possible moment — under the scrutiny of judges in a championship stake.
The Core of the “No Free Lunch” Philosophy
The Rorems’ approach rests on a few fundamental truths:
Every action teaches something. If the dog is allowed to creep and still gets the bird, he learns that creeping is acceptable. If he delays the sit and faces no consequence, he learns that the whistle is optional.
Consistency is the only path to reliability. A dog cannot distinguish between “practice” and “competition.” The standard must be the same every time.
Small faults compound under pressure. A minor inconsistency in training becomes a major liability when distractions, wind, cover, and expectation combine in a test.
The philosophy demands that the handler remain vigilant. The dog must understand that nothing is free — every retrieve, every sit, every line must meet the standard, or the opportunity is reset.
Practical Application in Daily Training
Formal Sit-Stay with Zero Tolerance Require an immediate, motionless sit on the whistle — no creeping forward, no shifting weight, no looking back. If the dog moves even slightly, calmly return him to position and rerun. Reward only perfect execution.
Line Discipline on Every Send Whether the mark is 30 yards or 300, the dog must leave from a square, locked position and hold the initial line. Any deviation (swing, drift, anticipation) results in a recall and reset. No partial credit.
Return to Heel Perfection Every retrieve ends with a formal return to heel and sit. If the dog approaches loosely or sits crooked, reset and require the correct finish. This prevents anticipation on the next send.
Cast Response Under Pressure When a cast is given, the dog must sit instantly on the whistle and take the direction immediately. Any hesitation, refusal, or overcast means recall and rerun until the response is crisp.
Why This Matters at Every Level
The “No Free Lunch” rule is not reserved for young dogs or those in early training. It applies equally to finished champions. The moment a handler relaxes the standard — “he’s good enough” — the dog begins to sense the change. What was once automatic becomes negotiable. In competition, negotiable becomes costly.
The Rorems’ approach is clear: maintain the standard relentlessly. Reward excellence generously. Correct deviations promptly and consistently. The result is a dog that performs with the same discipline in the test as he does in the yard.
Field Transfer
A dog raised on the “No Free Lunch” principle rarely surprises you on test day. He sits promptly, lines accurately, casts cleanly, and returns with precision — because those expectations have never been relaxed. The handler who adheres to this standard earns reliability that withstands pressure, distractions, and time.
There is no shortcut. Every session must earn its keep.
If you have applied this philosophy in your training, how has it affected your dog’s consistency under pressure? Share your observations in the comments or on Instagram (@flyinghighretrievers). We all advance through shared experience.
Here is to sessions that earn their keep,
Ryan Fisher
Owner and Team Development Officer
Flying High Retrievers
Long Island, New York
