the boat stuff is not bad to work, what I do is to start on land and give the boat and dog association, get him relaxed coming and going for the ground retrieves, or even boat on the ground, and dog mark is direct into the shallow water...this is for the association, of teh bells and whistles that'll be going at rice, sparland, marshall or woodford, work the dog where you will be able to move the boat more and more into the water, there are several things offered for retrievers and boats, I personally grabbed the collar, and the dog would pull, itself in, with my assistance. the ob will tighten him up on the working birds, I have had dogs swimming, and walking back from airing at several of those locations, and ducks or geese, did not flair, even take and teach whistle sit, and then all will be well. Biggest thing is patience! Thanks Jonesy