an update
got Fritz his first bird today , he didn't come for the hunt , was hunting for birds to train with

with all of the advice here about preparing a dog for gun fire we are at the first stage
I did find this video
https://www.midwayusa.com/brand-amb...to-introduce-your-hunting-dog-to-gunfire

his method is introduce the dog to loud noises form far to near from quite to louder and you end with a shotgun starting far seemed to fit with what most of you were saying

and it is always while the dog is enjoying a bird to associate it with good

with our first bird , actually got gifted a second bird , I saved 4 wings in 2 sections each and 2 tails I also saved the necks but I am not sure about using those

worked up clapping far to near then blocks of wood clapping far to near

he might look up as I get close but he is not worried at all about the boards clapping overhead I stop about 6-8 feet away

I was also able to secure a tracking collar for Fritz.

he is putting on size and weight quick

and of course he goes absolutely crazy for a wing a 1/2 wing is about the perfect size and makes them last a bit more

after walking around him splapping wood blocks together for about 15 minutes while he enjoyed the wing I left him for a bit then I stepped out on the back porch and clapped the blocks one more time , he came running like streak , running at the noise not from it I gave him a treat but no more wings for now.
saving that for more training

Sounds like you and Fritz are already best friends have fun with him,

Sounds like a great day- It won't be long and you'll be training Fritz for his next assignment.

I get my Beagles to play "Fetch" with a favorite toy, then as they get to love that game, I will shoot a kids toy cap gun WHILE they're running away to fetch. When that gets old, I move to a .22 derriinger with blanks, again, only after they're a ways away fetching. If they come back to investigate that strange noise, let them smell the pistol, so they know what's doing it.