Re: future duck dog!
Don't use food to train, praise only. Food makes the bowels work, praise makes the brain work. I have trained many a retriever for hunters and hunt test enthusiasts alike. Not a pro by any means, but I just sold my personal business of breeding and training labradors. I have females sitting on whistle, taking hand signals, and running blinds by 9 mo. old. As with any breed, males are a little slower to mature.
Free reference -
www.dobbsdogs.com breaks it down nice and easy for you.
First step here is a must.
First, Water Dog - Author is Richard Wolters. Read it, learn it, live it. You will reference this book often. Under $20.
Second - Retriever Training Drills for Marking - Author James B Spencer
Third, Retriever Training Drills for Blind Retrieves - Author James B Spencer.
You will learn how best to progress your pup. If she looks confused, back up a little, or try a different way to teach the same concept.
Best tip for the E-collar - stay off it for a while. Only use it for something you KNOW she KNOWS. When teaching new concept - take it off of her. No punishment for learning. The only Exception to this I have found is when training to go through/over an obstacle. If the sides of the obstacle are not "hot", they will continue to go around. You will figure this out later.
Good luck, and Holler with any questions. This journey is very fun, exciting, rewarding, and builds one hell of a bond.