Hi Danni,
As a trainer, I recommend you properly force fetch your dog. You may encounter problems later during a test or in a hunting situation.
The force fetch is the most important step to start your dog in retriever training. Skipping steps can lead to problems later.
I suggest you step back and work on the obedience with hold, and then proceed to the ear pinch. However, if this is the first time you FF a dog, I highly suggest you find a trainer that can do this for you. I have met people that have told me they have FF their dogs, and eventually, I hear and see that they have skipped steps during the force fetching stage and they end up rushing the dog to another level.
I would honestly hold off on teaching your dog to handle until your dog is solid on fetch, walking fetch and running to a pile, followed by lining drills.
Hope this advice helps.
Regards,
Kristine Dunham
HighlandPeak Kennels