undog training is the art of the Possible. The greatest possible is PACK LEADERSHIP. Pack leadership must be demonstrated in each 24 hour period of kennel life of the dog. This demonstration must not be boastful, threatening or by use of excessive force, This demonstration must be matter of factly, or just the way it is in the pack life to keep pack mentality as constant between leader and the pack. What we are shooting for is to be the respected leader, not the affectionate petter. LEADERS TRAIN----PETTERS GET TRAINED.

Remember the  3P'S of pack leadership -  PATIENCE, PERSISTENCE, AND PERSEVERE until the condition response is embedded in the dog.

Professional trainers command respect. Amateurs are content with affection. Become the pack leader and training will be easier because there will be a cooperative spirit in the dog. Once we have established pack leadership, an essential precursor to formal training, you are wondering what to do.

Here are some thoughts or facts tie out, relieve on command, eat in front of dog with dog sitting and watching, make dog sit and wait at feeding time, make dog sit to toot of whistle then feed, make dog sit and wait when you go thru doors, cross fences or enter or exit any gates. No jumping on people. No chew toys. Come when called, and finally no roughhousing with pups. Finally, no more than two retrieves a day. Keep pups wanting more. Fun bumpers - Just say no. 

Here is a list of books I would recommend. "Leader Of The Pack" by Nancy Baer and Steve Dund,Be,  "Be The Pack Leader" by Cesar Milan,  and "British Training for American Retrievers" by Vic Barlow.