Few things to try if the pup fetches sticks or bumpers then get it excited about that & keep throwing it farther & farther out in the water you can wade with the pup or you can hook up with some one with a bigger lab that swims & tether the to dogs by the collar & let the big dog go after a bumper & "take the pup along for the ride". Probaly just a few time seeing the big dog go after the bumpers & get praise will be all the pup needs.