Getting Pup ready for gun

Stauffer · 11-16-2002, 10:40 AM

I recently got a black lab. My problem is that a couple months ago when she was about 5 months or so, she was around a bunch of fireworks. The fireworks really scared her. Now she gets nervous around a gun or the sight of a gun. Any ideas to get her used to guns again? I have been trying to train her to hunt birds but she gets nervous with the gun then too. If anyone would have any ideas I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks.

seattlesetters · 11-16-2002, 05:31 PM

I have seen actual gunshyness cured by diligent work involving lots of birds (expensive) and lots of time (precious). I have also seen more than a few dogs that had no problem with gunshyness absolutely ruined by being left outside on the Fourth of July. I don't mean to be be the bearer of bad news, and others may have had a totally different experience than me, but I have never seen a dog cured of gunshyness caused by prolonged exposure to fireworks. I am only letting you know my experience so you can make an evaluation of your still-young dog, and make a decision based on the amount of time and money spent to try and affect a cure, and what you want that dog to do for you.

Good Dogwork and Good Hunting

drgildy · 11-17-2002, 03:11 PM

I cured a lab of being gunshy once but as much time as it takes and as iffy as it is I would recommend finding a good for this one and starting with a new pup. If you choose not to do this, then get her retrieving built up to a fever pitch (and this not done just by throwing a dummy} then always make a lot of noise when she does make the retrieve. Gradually when she is no longer paying any attention to the noise you may start with a .22 and shoot away from her. Eventually you will have to switch to a shotgun and again do not shoot over the dog. Shoot away from her as she is going to make a retrieve. There is a lot more to this but mostly just common sense and the patience of Job. Good luck.

OhioDuckHunter · 12-14-2002, 07:03 PM

I know where you are at. I have a beautiful 5 year old Lab that is VERY gunshy. My best advice (this is what I did), bite the bullet and get yourself another pup. Keep the one you have, but as a companion. Love 'em like a kid!