(
www.gundogsupply.com)
this place has a great starter pistol that wont break the bank and is reliable.
880 blank pistol .22 cal. 24.95
crimped blanks .22 cal 9.95 sounds like kids cap gun.
cci smokeless crimped blanks .22 cal 10.95 little louder retort
I also agree that live birds might be your golden ticket! let your dog come unglued while chasing them around,if he eats them so what,are goal is to get your dog crazy over birds! all other training can wait until you get over this hump.
If you cant find any live birds where you live, google(bears birds)they sell live pheasants and ducks for training. they might be able to help you out by shipping them. I think they were 8.00$ a bird
good luck