I sorta disagree with losthwy - sorry - I take all dogs hunting at a very early age. But I do take my time. The dog 1st of all is introduced to the gun at some distance and only when a bird is released. I will do this several times over a few months and move the gun closer to the actual shot. I never use the opld pots and pan trick - don't beleive in it and NEVER TAKE A DOG TO A TRAP RANGE. Gunfire should be only introduced as someone either throws something or preferably with a bird - pigeon, dead duck, quail, etc.

Can you train an old dog to do new tricks - absolutley!

Collars - if you have never used one save your money for a while. General Ho Hum - Hands On obedience is what you need to do. Come - Sit -Stay - No and Heel is what you need to work on. Buying an e-collar - well e-coolars are not a shortcut to any Obedience. It won't go faster with a collar and you can cause more harm than good. Now others may disagree but that is their right. Sorry.

Just set yourself a goal and try to attain the goal with that dog and make it realistic. I also keep a jopurnal to what each dog is doing. You will make strides and then have set-backs.