ESetter1 - I breed a few litters, and train a few setters every year. Pretty small-scale " operation" which produces some real classy pups and a few started dogs. I use it to try and find the mythical perfect gun dog (at least for me). I' m getting close...very close. In fact, I think I have the young females that will put me there. Only time will tell.

Let your dog have fun on the wild birds...let him make mistakes, let him knock and chase. He' ll learn soon enough that getting too close results in no bird. He' ll also learn that chasing results in no bird. When he finally points a bird and lets you flush it, PLEASE KILL IT. I would then take out my pocket knife, cut a leg off the bird, skin it and give the fresh drumstick to him. If you do that, he' ll never forget what it is you want him to do.