How do I introduce a new puppy to pet birds?

[KareBear]

We just got an 8 week old English Setter/Lab/Beagle mix and are trying to figure the best way to accustom him to our pet cockatiels. I have heard that it is possible to do this. However, since these are generally hunting breeds I didn't know if it also applied to them or if I would need to take extra precautions.
I have a friend w 3 English Mastiffs that sleep next to their cockatoos' cages and never one peep. In fact they 'guard' the birds from anyone that walks in the door. Then again I knew someone with a small dog that 'accidentally' landed in the middle of the bird cage with the bird in it. I don't expect the former but I definitely don't want the latter to happen.