Is it ok to let your lab play with his bumper all the time I'm afraid If I do he wont bring it to me when we are working

NO!!!! Or at least that's what I've been told. The bumper is a training tool, not a toy.

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What can I let him play with

Tennis balls, squeeky toys, etc. All of the normal dog toys will work. Just find toys that will keep him occupied and more importantly... entertained. Labs can get pretty destructive if bored or left to their own devices.

Like I mentioned before, the bumper is strictly a training tool. Though, the training process needs to be a fun activity for the both of you (especially him). In other words, make a big deal about it. You want him to get excited when he sees that bumper.

If he gets bored with training or tired... Stop. Take the bumper away and put it up. At that point, he can play with his other toys.

Also, make sure there are no distractions in the area you are training him in. Example: other toys, other animals, kids, loud noises (unless you are introducing the dog to gunfire), etc.

A great thing to help with the destructive side is get the dog a rawhide bone to chew on. Yes you will find pieces of it laying around sometimes but it is great for their teeth and keeps them from chewing on your things. Squeeky toys and tennis balls have always seemed to be the favorite for all the labs ive had. They love to chew and make lots of noise.

And like the others have said do not let the dog play with any of the training tools. They are tools.

Also as mentioned make training fun. When ever your are getting ready to start training bring out one of the bumpers and just ge the dog rialed up with it throw it a few times without any commands and get the dog in the mood and then start working with your commands. that way they dont get bored or not have fun. Also carry a lot of excitment in your voice when you are givng the retrieve commands (i.e. deadbird) this will also get the dog pumped up when going after the bumpers.

All in all just go out and have a good time nothing is more fun then watching your dog go blazing after that bumper and coming tearing [censored] back to you with it. I'm sure you know this also but when the dogs returns to you with the bumper use your heel commands to bring them back to your side and after taking the bumper back from the dog praise them to no end. Also keeps the dog happy and makes them want to bring you the bumper since they know it makes you happy.

Good luck with all your training endevours.