comments:
Tritronics Retriever Training has a great set of obedience fundamentals exercises you can use for dogs from puppies to adults, even if they're not going to hunt. The skills training on retrieving can help a lot as well to help scratch the genetic itch to retrieve things but in a manner acceptable to you, and as a game/exercise. The book is also written as a primer for using an e-collar which is helpful if that's something you plan to do later down the road for off leash time. I would recommend only using one if you have the time to learn how to use it, but it's a helpful tool for off-lead recall among other communication with the dog. The link below should have used copies available for a few bucks. It's been one of the primary training resources for several hunting dogs in my family, including my own ECS and while a bit older of a book, has a lot of great info and drills to do even for companion dogs. https://www.amazon.com/Tri-Tronics-Retriever-Training-Jim-Dobbs/dp/0963838601