Not to be rude
No, rude is okay. I'm a big boy I can handle it
where did you ever get the idea that you would be hunting a pointing dog its first real season BROKE?
Again, flusher guy here and not sure what to expect
Not sure what grouse you mean, Ruffs, Blues, Spruce. I only have experience with Ruffs.
Ruff's & Blues. So far he seems to handle the Blue's better than The Ruff's
I will also take my dog on rides on the dirt logging roads and watch for one that crosses. I will note where the bird went into the woods, put my dog on a cc, walk it over to the area and let the dog trail it till it points, busts, or bumps the bird. Regardless of what happens, I whoa the dog. IF it is a pointed bird and I get a chance to shoot it I will, (easier if you have someone help shoot the bird while you work the dog) I, initially don't worry about the steadiness after the shot at this point. But you can use this as a training exercise. It is kind of random luck, but I think helps the dog to transition from the yard work and pigeon training. But other wise just hunt the dog let him figure out and learn what he can and can not get away with. The bird will teach him that stuff. The other thing, if you see him take one out or bump one use that as a training moment. But only if you witness it.
This is exactly what I was thinking for a solution if the situation does arise. Like stated it happens by chance. Birds trailside for a training opportunity. Now that I'll be looking for a grouse trailside it will probably never happen again.
Also do you lead him up to the bird or is he free running? Is he your only hunting dog?
Bird staked out in the yard? Lead into with CC. Birds in remote launchers? Free running. He is my only hunting hound
I also run him on wild Quail which do stand for more pressure than Forest Grouse will allow for the most part, so that could be the issue as well.