I hunted a couple of years ago with my lab out of our boat. Once she retrieved and brought the bird next to the boat I had her drop it while i took it from her.Then I took one hand on the scruff of her neck and the other on the scruff of her hips and helped pull her up into the boat. She the proceeded to soak my brother and I. My dog is light and usually weight 65-70 lbs during season so I had it easier than you do but its worth a try if $ is tight. --Millpond