I kept a spray bottle of water handy - a spray in the face doesn't hurt them but sure has got their attention. Now I just have to say 'do you want me to get the spray bottle?' and that was 10 and 12 years ago for my 2 yellow labs. For barking control, I used a few pennies in an empty soda can and shook it when they barked. Both methods worked like a charm. Obedience training and exercise is also key for smart dogs like retrievers.