Gun Shy Dog Training

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, you’re going to have a very difficult time making him into a decent hunting dog.
Most gun shy dogs are not born that way, but become that way due to owners mistakes. The best way to fix this problem is prevention. Slow and very careful introduction to the gun is the key- starting from loud noises, progressing to shooting blanks from a good distance and finally firing gun near the dog.
And, many hunters don’t 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 they’re not first properly introduced to loud noises and gunfire.
Therefore, it’s 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. Don’t pet your dog and comfort her when she is scared, you are reinforcing the gun shy behavior. You might try starting at playing with her, bringing lots of treats for rewarding followed commands. Throw the dog a treat every time you fire off a gun

This subject is covered in great detail in our videos and book with step by step instruction given by expert.. 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 he’s hungry and is eating, he’s focused on eating. That is an ideal opportunity to stand back about 15 feet from him and clap your hands loudly. He’ll probably look up for a minute. Smile at him and encourage him to go back to eating.
Then, the next day, while he’s eating, move in about 10 feet from him and clap loudly. Chances are he’ll not be frightened at all.
Keep doing this till you can clap your hands right over him while he’s 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 he’s eating.
Once he’s 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 we’ll cover this subject here at a later time.
Meanwhile, happy training and best of luck with your dog!!