start with a 6 foot lead and just drop the ball/toy, then say 'bring', let her go to it, say 'bring' and pop the leash to get her to return to you, repeat maybe 5 times max at any one time. When she reaches you take hold of the ball/toy and say 'drop' (you can make her drop by pushing the skin of the upper lip into the incisors) -- then praise praise praise each time. Praise for the 'bring' and praise for the 'drop'. Have a treat handy to start with for the bring part.
After a day or two or three with the short lead go to a long lead (20-30 feet depending on the size of the dog) -- repeat the exercise. You will know when she gets it. You won't have to leash pop - continue with the praise always.
Also, if she takes off with it when off lead - turn your back and go away from her (do not chase her - it is then a game for her) and tell her to come. When she gets to you praise her for the come and then do the 'drop' routine.
I'm starting to train a field ESS to retrieve to hand -- and this is our routine.
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