Without really seeing the dog, it is hard to say what should and can be done. That's the only reason I'd hesitate with the gun range. Actually, that's the way I let my goldie get used to gun fire. But she was hard headed enough that you could shoot a cannon over her and she wouldn't blink.

Letting the dog make the association early on is the safest way, in my opinion. Then gradually step up the sound. Aleast you have somewhat control over the environment and the noise. If you do take the dog to a gun range and it adversely effects the dog, you would be hard pressed to get the dog away fast enough.

This dog developed a shyness to gunfire andyou're suggestingtothrow the dog into the fire, so to speak. It would be a disservice to the owner if I didn't voice my reservations. So, no hard feelings. I just thought in this case it would be a mistake.