Replying to Avy Dogs: Where to start?

Well I'm in high school, live with my parents. Anyway I can only get a dog if I pay for it. That's fine with me, since I'm old enough to get a job now. Anyway if I did get a dog I'd want to train it for backcountry safety so I could take it into bc and be a little bit safer. Also I'd take it hiking, biking, etc. Also just a side note but Avy dog breeds are usually either shepherds, collies, or retrievers. I'd most likely get a retriever.

So anyway where should I start? Where can I get a good deal on a dog?(would want to buy as a puppie maybe) also how would I train? Train it myself or go to training sessions or send it to training sessions?

Should I get a male or female? I've heads females or more calm.

Really just want info. Has any of you guys done this before? Just don't know where to start....