I am now on my third retriever that I have trained using The Koehler Method, named for Bill Koehler, trainer for Disney Studios among a long list of achievements and accolades. I first learned of his methods three dogs ago, when I found myself with one very headstrong, field trial champion bloodlines Golden Retriever. I hooked up with a local couple who trained field trial and hunting retrievers for a living, after having run out of both ideas and patience. It was one of the best moves I ever made with regards to coming to understand dogs, dog training, and most importantly - myself.
Anyone with the patience and time can do this on their own. That said, I did spend a considerable amount of time with the trainers on that first dog. They were actually training me, not the dog, as any good trainer will tell you. Well, having learned, I have now tackled two dogs since, both with satisfying results.
Here is a link. They provide all of the instructional materials you could ever need. Probably not for everyone - you will have to decide if it's for you or not. It's a huge commitment, not to be taken lightly.
The Koehler Method of Dog Training, koehlerdogtraining.com Home