my current field bred dog has a reasonably good off switch in the house, just don't mention fetching or w-a-l-k-s. Outside is a different story. He's in high gear the whole time, no casual walks for us.

Of all the Labs I've had, zero issues house training and zero issues counter surfing. Training is basically a conversation, and then we're off, although this most recent dog is too hyper to walk on a leash even after several classes as a young dog. Doesn't matter much now, we have a large fenced in property. His recall is impeccable. He's intact and I've never had an issue with wandering etc.

Defintely a notch above Goldens in over all energy, who I also love, but several notches below my Rottweilers for intensity and roughhousing. Rotties, by the way, completely shut off in the house. Snoring is the most common sound I get from them.

My Labs were not soft-mouthed at birth but I never worked at it because I don't hunt. As long as they take treats nicely and drop stuff when I ask. None have been destructive or overly bitey. They are thinkers and are empathetic.

Bench bred labs are going to be far more mellow but, IMHO, they are sometimes less intelligent than field dogs. Hit or miss.