I really like the detailed explanation and description of various ways to do it in "Training Retrievers for the Meadows & Marshes" by James B. Spencer. He doesn't like putting pressure on the paw as it makes it harder to control the head (mouth). His method employs a slower but complete way to force fetch which is especially helpful for an amateur trying it on his own without 'coaching' from a VERY knowledgeable person. Some other very good ideas in the book, but be careful about using his 'cone' method for teaching blinds very long as the dog quickly becomes too dependent on them. I followed his book for part of my older dog's training and primarily used the manual 'Training with Mike Lardy' vol I for her pup (now 5). I liked the Lardy approach on blinds much better, and he also has force fetch in it, but for the newcomer to force fetch I liked the explanation in Spencer's book better.

Lardy's vol can be found at totalretriever.com and the Spencer book is published byDenliger publishers P.O. Box Fairfax, VA 22030

I believe that the material from Lardy is by far the best program to follow in the total training of a retriever.