Mike (the OP) will figure this out. The most important factor in this issue is a failure to recognize that retrieving skills and pointing in the uplands are contrary behaviors.
Most bird dog and retriever trainers do not understand the conflict. Trainers of the versatile breeds have figured it out. However, Labs are not bred to be versatile. Therefore, a person that decides to "go with" a pointing Lab is not only conflicted with the needs of his dog but with how to go about preparing to do both. In addition, there is always the question of genetics.....natural point (or not).
Mike is in the beginning stages of his conflict. It begins with does my pup have the genetic makeup of actually being a natural pointer? If he does, then training for the two disciplines requires special adjustments and a great deal more time. Most retriever trainers want a sequential program. The pointing Lab is better dealt with by compartmentalizing the contrary skill sets. It is not easy and takes more time.
Labs are smart dogs. There are really talented trainers that can
almost teach a Lab to point. Many that are taught
look like it. However, if the genetics are there training is
different and can be very rewarding.
A famous bird dog trainer Bill West took two field trial bred Labs and spent many, many months trying to develop what appeared to be pointing Labs. When he concluded this work, he had several, interesting comments. First of all, it was the most difficult training that he had every done. Secondly, it took way longer than he expected and lastly, IT WAS NOT WORTH THE EFFORT.
note: While training he did zero retriever work.
Mind you these were well bred field trial Labs with a great deal of prey drive that exhibited no natural tendency to point.
I couldn't help myself and "Googled" this topic "Bird Dog...Wing on a String".
Wing on a String (link)