I agree that the dog (at least partially) is feeding off your emotions and concerns. You need to be excited and happy to hear them and be setting the example rather than transmitting the concern for your "baby boy".
I like the starter pistol idea but have a different approach with it. GSPs are hunting dogs....finding prey, pointing and fetching is engrained in their genes. Try this:
1.) buy a couple of tennis balls and a small bottle of "pheasant" or "grouse" scent (available at all sporting goods stores that sell hunting goods) and put about 20 drops on each ball.
2.) start by having him fetch the ball in your open back yard
3.) next have him start trying to find "hidden balls" that you place in the edge of your yard (now he is REALLY into this game)
4.) now have a person with the starter pistol at least 50 feet away from you fire as you throw the ball (your dog will begin to associate the bang with his ball). The more you do this, the more the association of the shot will be with his ball
Hunting breeds love this and even though you may not hunt, he IS a hunter and this uses instincts he wants to use, gives him great exercise that GSPs need and beings the process of associating loud sounds with his favorite game.
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