Training pointers and retrievers starts out with the basics -- crate training, housetraining, obedience training and leash training -- and moves on o the more specific tasks for which these particular hunting dogs were bred. If you want to take your pointer or retriever tracking, hunting and retrieving, you will first need to make sure they know who is in control and how they should respond to your commands.
Instructions
Train your dog to feel comfortable in his crate. The easiest way to control your dog for housetraining, chewing or misbehaving in any way when he is young is to teach him to stay in his crate. Crate training is also invaluable when you are transporting your dog. Going on a hunting or camping trip is less stressful for everyone if your dog is not bouncing around in the back of your truck.
Train your pointer or retriever in basic obedience. All dogs have the instinct to hunt, and pointers and retrievers were specifically bred for these duties. However, you cannot just take your dog to the woods and turn him loose. You must have control over him at all times. Basic obedience training -- teaching him to sit, stay, lie down, wait, look at you on command and "leave it" -- are all basic obedience commands every hunting dog should know.
Train your pointer or retriever to walk on a leash. This gives you much more control in a variety of situations. Make sure he walks beside or behind you (never in front) so he is reminded that you are the leader and he must follow and obey you. Always keep him on a leash when you are away from home. Hunting dogs like pointers and retrievers are likely to bolt at the sight, sound, or smell of prey.
Train your dog to return to you on command. When you are out hunting, having your dog on a leash will be counterproductive. You need to let your dog roam freely, seeking game and alerting you to its presence. Teach your dog to come when he is called by practicing the behavior over and over. Have him sit-stay in one spot and then back away. Give him the come command or blow a whistle. When he comes to you, praise him and give him a favorite treat. If he races past you, put him back in the sit-stay position and start over until he is returning consistently. Back farther away, hide behind something, call him when he is out playing in the yard -- in other words, vary the return training so he knows to come to you immediately in any situation.
Train your pointer or retriever to perform his specialized duties. Pointers are meant to detect game and point you to it, while retrievers are meant to find and return downed game to you. The best way for your dog to learn his specific role is for you to join a hunting club and let your dog learn by mimicking veteran hunting dogs. A well-bred gundog's pointing and retrieving instincts are strong, but observing what other dogs do and being rewarded with both praise from you and the excitement of fulfilling his intended role will reinforce his instinctual behaviors in the direction you desire.