To keep the dog from gun shyness, I would start early.

While the dog is feeding, make sudden noise (banging a pan lif if you are in the house, buy a toy cap gun (or starter pistol) and pop a cap). If you make the noise while they are pre-occupied, it won't startle them as much. You definitely don't want to start shooting a bunch over the dog with out getting them used to noise.

Working with a wing and fishing pole is a very good method to start the dog on. I did that wiht my GSP and it worked well. Of course you do need to get the dog on birds and work him.

God luck. There is nothing more fulfilling than to see a dag working and on point.