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When you say "start" them with retrieving down birds....what type of things are you actually talking about? how do you use those pidgeons? Someone said somethign about getting a pheasant wing and some scent but I don't have a clue what to do when I get it?
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If you have a true pointing lab from pointing lab lines and want the dog to point like a real pointer I would suggest taking him to a pointing lab trainer. I am a bit of a purist and I like my labs to flush. Just a preference.
I introduce pidgeons to my dogs with their wings taped and legs bound with a rubber band. I do this for the puppies so the birds don't fly offf and can't scratch them. Bigger dogs only the fly aways arte a concern.
Drag a bird through the grass and hide it in the shrubbs, tall grass, wood pile, or whatever. Coax the dog into that area and say dead or dead bird. if the dog trys to leave the area, call it back into the area and continue until the dog finds the bird. When the dog finds it, praise it like it's never been praised before. Do not use treats to praise. Do this 2 or 3 times a day. Use different spots in the yard, because the dog will always remember certain spots have produced 'his' bird. The dog will want to go back to those spots.
This drill not only teaches the dog to hunt a bird that wounded or dead and lost to your sight but will also help bring out the natrual birdiness of the animal.
Teach obediance. encourage the animal to be birdie.
Since your dog came from a line of gun dogs or field trial dogs, chances are good the dog has a good sense of birdiness and a willingness to retrieve. The two very most important factors of any good retriever.
There are other important training advances for bird dogs. Such as teaching them not to break when birds are landing or when someone shoots. Or delivering the bird to hand. These are things that most likely the dog will not do natrualy and must be taught. There are exceptions.
You should decide what you want the dog to do and teach him to do it.
I would suggest hooking up with a pro in your area.