Do not use a bumper when in the beginning stages of FF. Use a wooden dowell. You do not want the dog to associate any disscomfort or bad feelings towards a bumper. Bumpers mean fun time. Did you introduce your dog to the bench over several days prior to working him on that bench? Take a few days to introduce him to your table. Let him get up on it for a few minutes with you praising him then let him get down. I always teach hold on the ground. Be patient and consistant and you and your dog will get there. Have you considered letting somebody else do the FF for you?

conserve waterfowl, use a trained retriever