I have springers from trial lines. I have hunted with them for more than 20 years. I have three observations. First is that dogs are like us. They need to grow up and they need experience to learn. For the first couple of years your dog will have flashes of brilliance, if you are lucky, and moments of sheer stupidity. Just be patient. Second, is that hunting primarily consists of the dog working with the hunter for hours even if there are no birds. Train all year, even if training consists of hour long walks without birds through filed and forest. Focus on keeing your dog close and having it take directions. Third, hunting is a hard business. Condition your dog all year. Adjust it a bit if it is too hot or too cold but try, if at all possible, to let your dog run at least a few times very week, more if possible.