RE: Training a pointer
oddly enough, my buddy trained his pointer with a fishing poll. In or out of the house, tie a pheasant wind to the end of a pole and old it in front of the dog and dont let him move. Then move to letting the dog walkl up to the wing on his own, but if he doesnt stop and point and tries to get it, pull the wing away and tell him NO.
Its a good way to teach them the basics of pointing, not being able to get it. Then we moved on to pigeons. You can catch them or buy them. Spin them around and they will get dizzy, then set them in some cover. they wont fly untill you flush them cause they are dissoreinted (sp?)
Hope this helps