gun shy bitch

[Bobba_fett 117]

Hello all, Im looking for some advice. I have been given this 17-18 month old pointerxlab. it was given to me because he guy who had it to many dog on the go and she wasn't geting the time spent on her she needed.

 

anyway she walks to heel come back to the whistle and everything but i had her out running at the back of the quad bike the other day and i fired a shot at a crow (thining nothing of it) and look round to see the dog going full pelt the other way, if i hadn't had the bike with me i would have lost her. Im a grouse keeper so we are busy shooting this time of year but i thought i would take her to a shoot day on the lead and the sound of shots far off getting louder as she got into the butts would help. she didn't show any signs of fear and i thought a few more days like that would sort the problem out.

 

but yesterday i took my .22 (modarated) out with me when i was walking the dogs to see what she would do if i fired it next to her, when she was running about with the other dogs i fired a shot into the ground and she didn't bat an eyelid, then i fired one when when she was walking to heel and she clamped down then ran back to the kennel. i tryed it again today making no fuss or anything with all the other dogs walking to heel to and she still slunk back to her kennel.

 

Ddo you think if i do this every time i take them out she will come round and i can build up to taking the mod off and work up from there?

cheers for reading, Tom

Edited September 25, 2011 by Bobba_fett

[Francentey-FTB 29]

in my opinion your making this situation a whole lot worse, nothing positive is happening for the dog,

I think you could iron out the problem, but STOP what you are doing, your encouraging gun shyness, not nervousness.

I would see if the dog likes a retrieve, if so thats where you focus will be.

everything needs to be gently,gently now, otherwise the dog is no use in the gun world.

I would be taking the dog out with a dummy or tennis ball.

throw out, hard clap of hands "gauge reaction" and send dog immediately.. positive reward.

I would then gradually build up to having a friend at a distance shoot, retrieve. working closer and closer to the bang.

 

Do not rush it though mate, and get her used to seeing the gun without a bang.. all building to having no issue.

 

I am not saying it will work, but its the best method to go!

 

Positive reactions to the gun/bang.

[crazydog 0]

my cur dog started getting gunshy at about 2nd season . so I stareted woodswalking him and when he got distracted , I'd fire a blank 22 in the air and call him to me and give him a bisquit.

now when he hears gunshots he comes looking for a bisquit. my other dogs look for the fur when they hear gunshots . hope this helps

[stroller 341]

your dog isnt gun shy, she has another issue with guns maybe been battered because she is a bit nervous. she is young but needs time and the above advice is excellent.

[nercwys 10]

in my opinion your making this situation a whole lot worse, nothing positive is happening for the dog,

I think you could iron out the problem, but STOP what you are doing, your encouraging gun shyness, not nervousness.

I would see if the dog likes a retrieve, if so thats where you focus will be.

everything needs to be gently,gently now, otherwise the dog is no use in the gun world.

I would be taking the dog out with a dummy or tennis ball.

throw out, hard clap of hands "gauge reaction" and send dog immediately.. positive reward.

I would then gradually build up to having a friend at a distance shoot, retrieve. working closer and closer to the bang.

 

Do not rush it though mate, and get her used to seeing the gun without a bang.. all building to having no issue.

 

I am not saying it will work, but its the best method to go!

 

Positive reactions to the gun/bang.

thats good advice ftb.going back to the start and she also needs your love and trust.its important to bond before training.

[Bobba_fett 117]

Cheers, i will give it a go.