RE: Huntin Dogs
Starting with good breeding is a nice way to begin. If you don't have experience training labs I would hook up with a local AKC club and train with them, they all have folks who train on a regular basis. Or find a trainer who'll work with you and the dog, owners need to learn also. In finding clubs members and trainers just like everything else there are the bad ones and the good ones. Shop around. Jackie Merten's video "Sound Beginnings" is a good one for the basics. Retriever Training Forum online is a good place for advice the bulk of them are into Hunt Test and Field Trials, and demand more from their dogs than the average hunter. Hyper dogs can become good retrievers also, most have lots of drive. I like Hunt Test for it gives me something to do in the off season.