She seems to be gun shy.

richandtiff · Posted: Tue Nov 13, 2007 8:20 pm Post subject: She seems to be gun shy.

I would really like to take sandi hunting next year and she used to be fine when it came to target practice and stuff like that but just recently we went out to target practice with the 22 rifle and she decided to jump at every shot she didn't take off or anything just kinda jumped, is there any way to fix this? On the way back to the car she was off leash and went into a beautiful point though I wish I would have had my camera. any suggestions?? thanks and take care.

DanniGirl · Posted: Tue Nov 13, 2007 10:38 pm Post subject:

How far away was she? Has she had a chance to chase birds?

One way is when she's in pursuit of game, fire a couple of .22 rounds from a blank starter pistol.
I would begin when she's chasing (let's say) 50 yards away, the further the better. After she's showing no signs of disturbance I would gradually fire closer. If she turns and looks your direction after the shot, you've fired too close. You want her to associate the gun-fire with something positive.
TAKE IT SLOW, the biggest thing is PATIENCE. It may take several weeks depending on your pup.

anne · Posted: Tue Nov 13, 2007 11:53 pm Post subject:

Do what Candra said. Jumping is definitely bad. WHen Candra says showing no signs, watch her carefully. Does she stop and then turn her head? If so back off a little.
Also she just had a litter, her hormones may still be wacky. Don't keep pushing the gun fire thing too much and too fast, especially when not associated with anything good (birds, food).

richandtiff · Posted: Wed Nov 14, 2007 8:26 am Post subject:

I did pet her and tell her that all was ok I will hold off for awhile and wait till I have a chance to go farther out with her, I also had treats that I gave her I will do that. Jack layed there and went to sleep I think that is cause he is still a puppy. thanks also she does not turn her head she just kinda flinches. I hope that I can help her I will take it easy and see how she does,

DanniGirl · Posted: Wed Nov 14, 2007 12:00 pm Post subject:

anne · Posted: Wed Nov 14, 2007 12:34 pm Post subject:

richandtiff · Posted: Wed Nov 14, 2007 12:52 pm Post subject:

thank you for all the advice we are gonna take it slow and easy and when we get down to my inlaws house for christmas do some more there there are a few pastures to run in there I know she was fine before cause we would shoot at my inlaws and she would be running around the yard. we would shoot at the blue rocks and she would be at the other end of the yard looking at the birds and go into a point when she would hear the shotgun go off. I will take it slow and thanks:)

famof61101 · Posted: Wed Nov 14, 2007 5:28 pm Post subject:

Reminds me to ask....When should you introduce the gun to the dog?

DanniGirl · Posted: Wed Nov 14, 2007 5:53 pm Post subject:

Some say around 5 months is the time to be getting a dog used to gunfire.
However I wouldn't move up to gunfire until he's shown no signs of being noise-shy. (Vacuum cleaners, power tools, etc...)
Anne?

h20fwlkillr · Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2007 2:54 am Post subject:

It all varies on the individual dog. When the into is done isn't nearly as important as how it is done.

anne · Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2007 12:26 pm Post subject:

As h20 said, depends on the dog. Some puppies are just bolder than others and not as naturally noise sensitive. The best time to intro gunfire is when the puppy has its mind on something else. I choose to do it when the pup is in full all-out chase of a bird.