I suggest training him with his owner - maybe train them both. Some dogs cannot be trainined after living the civilian life for to long.

I suggest getting a book called GUN DOG. It is an excellent training guide for new dogs.

I would also test him - get some scents (pheaseant, qual, etc) and around a field, drag a decoy (don't let the dog see you) in and around the edge and plant under a log or some bushes with maybe a 500 or more yard run. Let the dog smell the decoy, ley him loose and see if he finds it. If he stays on it and at least has a good attempt to find it you may have a chance. Sounding from his first experience you may not have good luck with this one.