Retrieve training

[CFSpringer]

Got a springer that is 9 months old. She retrieves balls and bumpers back to me as I call her back, but she seems to struggle holding whatever item. Seems she is constantly repositioning it or attempting to chew it. That said, she can fumble it when she gets back to me. She wants to lay down with it and chew, when she gets back to me. I immediately grab and say sit as I attempt to put her in sitting position and throw a few "hold" calls in there. So she is confused I am sure. Then she drops it in that clumsy moment. I'm telling her to pick it up and sit, she is confused. All that said, what do I need to do to improve this? I would love retrieve to hand, but if she would drop at my feet and not chew, I would be okay with that.

 

[Jawilor]

It sounds like she doesn't really know what "hold" means. I would postpone any retrieving sessions and focus on reinforcing the fetch and hold commands until she is reliable. Find a retriever training program or book and follow the instructions. It takes time and patience, but will be worth the effort if you want birds retrieved to hand.
You will have to decide along the way if you want to force-fetch her or not. I personally don't do it, but to each his own.