A good hunting dog starts with basic obedience.
Start early
Pointing instinct can show up when pups are only a couple of months old. Early exposure to birds builds desire.
Obedience first
Come, sit, stay and whoa or hup give the hunter control in the field.
Gun introduction
Introduce the sound of the gun slowly and at a distance, paired with birds.
Hunt tests
Hunt tests give a training goal and show where a dog needs work.