My 11 month old lab was very sick when she was young. She seems healthy now and has tons of energy. Whenever you put a coat on or pick up a leash she goes beserk - jumping barking etc. She also will not release a ball or stick - you have to pry it from her mouth. Obviously we would like a change in behavior- any insight would be appreciated

Obedience training. Find a good teacher/class in your area and go for it. For the jumping and barking, you have to be sure that you aren't rewarding the behavior. Which means that you don't put the leash on and go for the walk until she is sitting quietly. Which is why obedience helps... learn a command like "Sit", and you can use that to counter other behaviors. Dog sits, and then gets put on the leash. Dog sits, and then gets to go out the door. They can't both sit and jump at the same time, so they quickly learn which gets them the reward that they want.

Can't help with the ball.. my problem is getting my dog to take things, not release them!

Thanks - that sounds like simple sound advice

I agree with Froggy. Do not let her go on her walk until she is calm and submissive. In regards to the ball or stick, don't fight with her to take it out of her mouth. This is just another game to her. Put her in the sit/stay position, and don't look at her. Ignore her until she realizes what she is doing doesn't work anymore. When you see her drop whatever it is she had, say the word drop, let go, or whatever command you use, and THEN praise her. If she grabs it again before you can get it, just keep on repeating the same thing until she understands that she can't play unless she drops the toy.

Hope that helped you out a bit. :)