A GSP is a great dog for hunting upland game (both birds and furred game), waterfowl and tracking wounded large game. I totally agree with the NAVHDA sentiment. Find a chapter close to you and join. Most of the chapters have training days. In these training days you will receive help and guidance from people who most likely have trained at least a few dogs; but some will be either professional trainers or people who have trained dozens if not more dogs. In the end, you won't save much money over sending the dog to a professional trainer, but you will get a lot more out of the process and your connection with your dog will be greater.

Here is a link to the chapters - http://www.navhda.us/chapterinfo.aspx

The other great thing about NAVHDA is there are tests set up to determine both the natural hunting aptitude of the dog as well as a Utility test geared more around the semi-finished to finished dog. In your case, you will probably not be able to take part in the tests as registration of the dog is needed which requires a three generation pedigree. That said, most chapters hold mock tests as their members prepare. You would likely be able to take part in these and get a bunch of value in the process. It's a great way to train your dog the right way and meet a ton of dog people in the process.

There are other ways to go, but I don't think you could go wrong getting into the NAVHDA circle.

Good luck.

most important thing is that they listen too you.

like SIT,FETCH,etc.
once you have that down,take dog arouns animals .

i trained my lab at night as pup.

i used a rechargeable spotlight and found over 20 rabbits a night at local school property.

i would put light on rabbit and make him SIT, then i would say,GO,THEN TO GET HIM BACK, I WOULD YELL HIS NAME.

after a dog gets hunting smell of rabbit, he will be set to learn to hunt grouse,pheasants


main thing is ,get him to come and go.
next, more times walking in woods, the better.

he will learn himself how to hunt.

get ready for this, TRAPS HE GETS CAUGHT IN, PORCUPINES, OCCASIONAL DEER HE CHASES, YOU HAVE TO SAY NO IN FIRM VOICE IF HE DOES THAT,SKUNKS,CUT FEET.

make sure he wears a bright 3 inch collar while in woods.

I WOULD WORK ON OBEDIENCE THE MOST AND RETRIEVING AT HOME and leave other for your walks in woods or fields.

never let a dog walk behind you, make him get out front.