I try an find a creek that is pretty wide, and walk the dog, sometimes with older dog, and have a play day. I do my association in 2-6 in of water first then just slowly build from there. And also some retrievers are not fans of water, most are but some arent, so just keep that in back of the head. You start out small, it will work into something big as time, age, and confidence build with water. Cya Jonesy