Hi Chris - I have used Wolters book and it was very helpful many years ago. There are many other excellent systems for training a retriever but I feel compelled to share my experience over 30 years and 3 different retrievers. The dog that you start with is very important. Since you have had hunting dogs - take a few minutes and list the qualities that are important. At this time there are many options but the big difference between quality prospects is the choice between american field trial stock and european retrievers (british, scotish and irish etc). The training methods are also very different.
This assumes that you are willing to get a pup from a reputable breeder as opposed to a back yard breeding which is a long shot in most cases. My experience with 3 different dogs from field trial stock was that I will never forget their great moments and miss each one to this day but they were too hyper for my taste. Yes they would make some remarkable retrieves and had good nose, marking ability, drive and heart......... but they were all too excited between retrieves. I used e collars in some situations and also had the help of professional trainers. Some of their hyper traits were likely from training. There were hundreds of bumpers and birds to retrieve but little time spent honoring other dogs working.
In some situations here in the US force (ecollars, force fetch, etc.) have been used to correct traits that retrievers show like lack of steadiness, hard mouth etc. Most of us get so attached to a dog that we have them for the duration which is often 10 + years.
I have spent a lot of time researching british dogs and learning about what's likely different. it is my understanding that if a dog has a flaw it is not bred. I have been told that force fetch is not required. I spoke with a forum member who has a dog from britishlabs.com and learned that they have a training program on their website. I want a dog that is calm and retrieves naturally. A lot of the training for the british pups involves obedience and attention while not retrieving. It is a very different proposition but logical when you fully consider it - and I plan to for retriever # 4.
Hope this is helpful,
sarge