RE: HELP a novice train his dogs, PLEASE!!!!!
My advice, you probably won't like. If you want a good bird dog, buy one with the best hunting pedigree you can to maximize your chance of getting a good dog.
Attempting to train curs and non-hunting dogs to be something that isn't in their genetics is a low-probility deal. The best bird dogs come pre-programmed and all you have to do is teach them a few manners.