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hunting

20 9:49:42

Question
Hi,  I have an 8 week old black lab male.  I hope to have a hunting buddy for many years.  How soon is to soon to take him out on a short,( an hour or so ) hunt to introduce him to hunting and not make him gun shy ?  Thank you..Lance

Answer
Dear Lance,
First, before even taking him outside, play a recording of gunshots on a cd or tape player so he gets used to the gun shots. First play it soft though and try to keep him in the same room, but dont force him if he tries to run away. That will cause him to never like gun shots. Then gradually play it louder and louder till it's just another sound to him then you can take him out hunting. Just remember, a recording sounds different from the actual sound so he may get spooked by it. I would honestly wait a few more weeks, really till he is around 4 or five monthes old, but I dont think any sooner. So by the time you bring him out he will have matured he will listen better and again will be used to the dound of gun shots. Please tell me how he is doing with the recordings and if you need any more help or have questions about his reactions, i will be glade to answer them.
Amy