How to DIY train a goldendoodle. I got a free pup

[jbseamus83]

I would restrict the retrieves to 2 retrieves per session in a hallway and make it a big deal with praise. Teach him that as soon as he brings it back the toy gets tossed again. Make the tosses short as your shaping a behavior to chase and come back. Do this until this is the best game in town and pup is crazy about the game. Short tosses are better than long tosses and a hallway naturally shapes the habit to return to the thrower.
Here is an example to illustrate how short a toss to shape the retrieve desire.

No need to steady your pup or introduce a toy shot, just make pup crazy about retrieving.

A hallway is such a good tool. Close those doors and make it a party when the pup brings it back. It worked really well for me.