See his reaction on pigeons, before the gun fire is exposed , so we'll say first 3 or 4 birds, take and pull good number of feathers out of wing, lets leave bird in hand, hold up to his face and get him excited. Try to get him jumping and wanting that bird. When its getting excited, throw the bird, we don't want the bird to fly well at all more like flutter. as soon as he gets it in mouth you need to act like he just done the most outstanding thing in the world. Don't be scared to hoot and holler some, let him paradewith it, petand love before getting bird. If you feel he is beyond this, have a buddy go out 40-50 yds, get dogs attention,take the bird and shoot it in the air, mowed grass i wuold like better that way it will help on marking the bird and if its flopping can help the excitement. See what the response is on this, if you don't feel he's ready don't do.A bird can get dog forgetting lots of things, it might take good number, but your final project will be nice. Patience!! Keep me posted. Jonesy