In reality, the approach that a good pro takes and that of the ordinary dog owner dealing with one or two hunting dogs are way different. one has no bearing on the other. I think that the average person probably does not have the perserverance, determination to do an effective, gentle job of force breaking to retrieve "the trained retrieve" is the popular euphemism for it. It takes typically 6-8 weeks, working almost every day for just a few minutes, maybe twice a day. I think the gentle approach is best but it takes longer. Pros are forced to put a dollar value on their time. They go faster generally but they also know when a student is likely to fold. That is what you want to avoid. But you absolutely HAVE to demonstrate resolve that the student WILL do this--first the hold, then the retrieve. Typically they'll do it without much style at first, then, in time they'll understand retrieving is fun. But they still need to understand it is not optional.
