I have been a dog owner for several years and noticed that almost every dog senses when someone means you harm and will protect you and your family when needed. Plus training a dog to be mean is never a good idea even under the best control. You can never be with the dog 100% of the time to determine when something is a threat for her. Plus when they get into the senior years this may be detrimental when the vision and hearing start to go. I have seen dogs snap when startled during this period of life and the possibillty of this will be increased if trained to attack a threat.

Yes you have one of the most friendly breeds out there also one of the most intelligent. I owned a lab and they have very simmilar personalities. One thing about them is if they wander off. THEY will find their way back, unless nabbed by the dog pound. Even if someone tries to keep them, there instincts are you are home and will run away the first chance they get and try to find you. I read stories about dogs finding their way home over great odds and unbelievable distances, and they are almost always a lab or retriever bread.

Best of luck with your puppy, Great Choice Of Bread.