- An important tool in teaching Labradors to retrieve is a whistle. The whistle should emit a high-pitched noise that can carry at a great distances and be heard over other noises such as wind. Teaching a dog to sit or come on the sound of a whistle is useful because the sound of your voice simply doesn't carry as far as the sound of a whistle. The whistle can help keep your dog from losing sight of you and out of dangerous situations. Preferably the whistle should be able to emit both a shrill noise as well as a loud, sharp blast.
- Training pistols are another tool that trainers teaching Labrador retrievers to hunt will need. This will help the dog get used to the sound when a gun goes off. Using it in conjunction with a bumper (see next section) will help the dog to associate the sound of a gunshot with retrieving.
- Bumpers are essential for teaching Labradors to retrieve. A bumper is oblong in shape and is either made from plastic or canvas. Bumpers come in a variety of colors. Orange bumpers are used for "blind retrieves" where the dog cannot see the bumper. Although the bumper is orange and is easily visible in the grass for humans, dogs perceive the orange as a similar shade of gray as the grass. Black and white bumpers are easier for dogs to see because of the color variation. They are good for when the dog must retrieve by sight.
- Flying discs and throw toys are another excellent tool for teaching Labrador retrievers to retrieve. If you get a flying disc that is plastic with a raised bit (such as a dog bone) the dog will find it easier to pick up. Flying discs are great for teaching the retrieval skill and are a great way for your retriever to have fun in the water as well. Simply tossing the flying disc or throw toy into the water will usually have a Labrador dashing into the water to retrieve it.
- Labradors are sporting dogs and were bred to swim. However, not everybody has easy access to beaches and lakes. A small wading pool allows the Labrador the opportunity of submersing itself in water and being able to swim while at home. And while most Labradors take to being in the water instantly, a wading pool is also an excellent, safe environment for teaching a puppy to not be afraid of the water.
