I am no way a master or even a skilled dog trainer. My lab is almost 2. I didnt start him on birds until this weekend, I know long time but I had my reasons. He will retrieve bumbers, tennis balls, and fake birds all day long. He listens on command. However my issue is that he will nbt pick a real bird up. I can place it in his mouth and he will carry it around all day. He runs out to it smells it but will not pick it up. Any ideas????

You need to force fetch him. PM SallySue and he can give you the name of some DVDs that he has seen that seem to be working for him. Or take the dog to Zack Potter and let him break him for you.

Force fetch will be a little more difficult that its older but it should still be done as long as you dont see any really negative response...live birds with clipped wings might get more of his interest as well...good luck