I'm no expert, and many who are seem to not like the idea of using a pheasant wing, but I used one for a short while with two dogs. One as a pup, the other a couple of years old. Pheasants are smelly, and dragging the wing with a string leaves a hefty scent trail. I'd drag the wing through an open area, and tuck it into some brush. The dog would get a small reward (praise, mostly) after finding it. Then I'd fasten the wing to a bumper, have the dog sit steady, and throw the bumper into the brush, and let the dog find it. It didn't take but a few repetitions for the dog to "get it."
Smart dogs grow bored more quickly, so sometimes they seem like they're not getting what's going on, when really they're just ready for something else. The pointer got it within a few drills, and was content to not play the game much more. The cocker took a bit more time. Once they get time in the field, they make the connection fairly quickly after you nail a bird or two. Spending time in the field, letting them explore, really seems to be key in them "wanting" to find & track birds without the need for any instruction.
Thanks for that advice, I'll pick up a couple wings, bumpers and maybe a bottle of scent.