[birdman]

Good point Bamboo.... One thing I often have to do, especially when other dogs are in the field with mine is to really praise him as he's retrieving. He gets a little competitive and wants to parade the damn thing around in front of all the dogs. I calmly approach him four or five steps (just to get his attention) and kneal down on a knee. While in the position, I praise, clap, give come comand, and make sure he knows he's doing the right thing. He's sometime slow to respond, but he'll finish every time. Like Bamboo said, make sure it remains fun for your dog.