Any suggestions on how to introduce a pup (10 weeks) to retreive an object from water?
Thanks
Luis

Luis,

I just started training my 12 old GSD to swim and retrieve and he picked it up the first day.

I first got him to swim by wadding into the water slowly and called him as i did. He followed me in and when we got to a depth where he would have to swim, i took hold of him so he would not sink and let me paddle around a little. Then i walked back out of the water, waited a few minutes and them wadded back in, this time i let him paddle by himself. He took it like a fish to water <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> . We spent about 15 minutes playing around and then went home before he got tired.

The next day i brought the dumbell with me (I purchased a floating dumbell very lightweight, soft and not too big), again i started off slowly, wadding in myself and having him follow me. Once i determined he felt comfortable i tossed the dumbell about 5 feet out and wadded with him while he swam to retrieve it. I think it is very important to go with him, just in case his head drops under the water and he gets scared so you can immediately help him. My dog did not need any help and within a few minutes he was retrieving the dumbell 10+ feet out.

Lastly, dont let him get cold, once you are done, dry him off.

That's just how i did it, maybe someone else has other ideas. Good luck.

Thanks Brian...very well explained...I'll give it a shot.
Luis