What you are doing is just fine, now I personally don't use toys, get a sock and tie some knots in it, or even little puppy bumper. When it goes and pics up bumper or whatever, you want that dog to think that it has done the most greatest thing in the world!! This wil keep it jacked up on this part. game. when it comes in, praise and pet for the retrieve, then ........no listen, take your hand and run down th eoppisite side closest to you, so if the left shoulder is at your knees, go down the right side, right in front of the back leg, there is a piece of loose skin, you can pinch this skin, and at the same time, lets say your right hand is getting the skin, take your left hand and grab the bumper, at the same time, pinch and say drop, and take the bumper out of mouth, as soon as it lets go, quickly pet and love. It will have no idea where that came from, you set it up where the dog is right there, and you can do it all in one motion, practice running your hand, when you feel you can do it, go for it, just relax and enjoy, your gonna be teaching for quite a while, don't over do, everytime it comes to ya, make it sit then pet, if it goes to move, say sit and work it until it sits and doesn't move, when you go to pet. don't worry to much about the sit on the retrieves, that'll come later, you just keep it cming into your lap, or between your legs,this will save more work later. Thanks Jonesy if you got any questions ask, don't worry about other people, you ask!! It will all work out, promise Later Jonesy