One of the biggest problems that I encounter with sporting dogs and their owners is gun shyness. And, if you have a dog that is gun shy and who bolts from loud sounds and gun fire, youre going to have a very difficult time making him into a decent hunting dog.
And, many hunters dont know about this serious problem. Many will get their new pup and immediately take him out in the field and start shooting over him with their shotgun. And, many times, this scares the daylights out of the pup and instills in him a lifetime fear that is almost impossible to overcome.
And, it can happen to older dogs too if theyre not first properly introduced to loud noises and gunfire.
Therefore, its essential that, when you first get your puppy and start his/her training, to carefully and gradually introduce him to loud noises and then later to gun fire.
This subject is covered in great detail in our videos and book. See
www.FamilyDogs.com . However, the basics of it is to first distract your pup by engaging him in something he enjoys. For instance, when hes hungry and is eating, hes focused on eating. That is an ideal opportunity to stand back about 15 feet from him and clap your hands loudly. Hell probably look up for a minute. Smile at him and encourage him to go back to eating.
Then, the next day, while hes eating, move in about 10 feet from him and clap loudly. Chances are hell not be frightened at all.
Keep doing this till you can clap your hands right over him while hes eating and he continues to eat and will accept the noise as routine.
Next day, feed him outside and do the same thing. Only this time, instead of a hand clap, fire a blank pistol (like the ones they use at track meets) off at a 20 foot distance. Then move in gradually each day until you can fire the pistol as you stand next to him as hes eating.
Once hes 16 weeks old and ready for the field and live birds, acclimate him to a real shotgun. This is covered in our videos and books and well cover this subject here at a later time.
Meanwhile, happy training and best of luck with your dog!!
