Not really been in water yet, dont really have anywhere to take him...... Well that I know of. I'm new to my area. I had him down at the river the other day and I let him go out about 6 feet with a lead on but their was a lot of current and huge rocks so I didnt want to take him off lead. The only lake I know of was really low this past summer and full of weeds and stuff near the shore.... If I do find a place, how cold is to cold to let a lab in the water? I know, silly question but I just want to be safe with him...

I see what your saying about bad habbits with fetch. If I do get him to fetch, how hard is it going to be for me to eventually make him wait for a command before he takes off to get the ball / dummy / bird?