I have 3 year old GSP. I used a few wings and a dummy with scent to train him to point, but really he did it on his own. As for gun shy. I made him a few loud toys he liked. pennies in a milk jug stuff like that. I have shot a bunch of birds over him. He points and retrieves. I don't think you have to do much but spend time with the dog. Praise good stuff and discourage bad. I never had a pointer before this one, never read anything about training him, just took it the natural route.