Tips for consistency?

doing a trial kinda thing with my parents. if im responsible till the end of the school year we start looking for a dog. its gonna be a long process, but luckily the school year goes fast. just to be safe what r some tips to keep this goin strong? i really want this dog. we've decided to get a golden retriever or a labrador, so if u know any tips for training them that would be nice too. thnx in advance!!!