EP 68: Stop Skipping These Retriever Training Drills (With Dan Ihrke)

Most retriever handlers know what drills to run... but very few understand why they run them or when to introduce each one.

In this episode, Chris Rud sits down with Dan Ihrke to break down the complete land progression they use before ever running a Hunt Test. From force fetch and the T to modified T, four-pole drill, buzzer blinds, cold blinds, and memory work, they explain how each drill builds on the previous one to create a confident, reliable handling dog.

This isn't just a list of drills—it's the reasoning behind the progression.

In this episode you'll learn:

• Why most handlers move to cold blinds too early
• How the Modified T and Four Pole Drill develop better handling
• The purpose of buzzer blinds
• Building trust during cold blinds
• How to teach dogs to handle multiple casts confidently
• Why progression matters more than individual drills

Whether you're preparing for your first Hunt Test or simply trying to build a stronger retriever, this episode gives you a clear roadmap.

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