Hi - I am having some trouble with Drakes returns on retrieving. When he comes back he will run full force right by me 15 or so feet and then come back to heel. What would be the best way to encourage him to slow down as he gets closer to me instead of running/skiding on by. On shorter retrieves with the check cord he just jogs back and does not have that problem. Should I just stick to shorter retrieves and try to form habits that way...or are there any good tips you have for me? Thanks!

Blake

Lisa's advice is excellent. You want to give a warning or clue to slow down as he approaches.
I would caution that especially with a young dog I would not place much pressure on the dog for this behavior.
Good dogs know when they have done a good a job, they are proud of themselves and want to show off. One of mine will actually leap at me on a return from a particularly good retrieve.

Be careful don't take that out of him. It's hard to get back.

JMO
Tim

I'd think occasionally working with a building or fence behind you would help keep going deep behind you from becoming habitual.

Tim, my current Brittany would end bumper and small bird retrieves with a wide-open spinning leap, carom off my thigh and land at heel. Thought his wet, muddy stamp of joy on my jeans a wonderful thing and missed it when too many big birds, or simply age, eventually broke the habit. But he topped out at 38lbs, and when I see one of the Chessies coming like that, I cringe...