The Miain reason I got for "No tug of war" is that it teaches the puppy that when he brings something back to you that he can play by tugging at it. If you want him to drop your duck into your hand or feet (not destry it by tugging) then don't teach him it's okay early on.... Right now, my 6 wk old is play retrieving about 5 or more feet out. I went duck hunting today and cut the wing at the first joing from the tip and have been throwing it to him to get him used to smell and texture. He will retieve about 3-4 times then he'll give up and move onto something else to his liking but I don't push it. I hope this is the right approach.