Hey Mite - excellent point - instroduction to gunfire is really important! I just cringe when I see people staking a dog out at a trap or gun club! They are just asking for problems. I also don't beleive in the ole pot and pan banging!

Introduction to gunfire shold be at a distance to start with with a very lite load or blank pistol and only used when a bird is in the air the dog has produced. Or soemthing is thrown for the dog to have the dog's attention ont he object it is to go get. Then each time a bird is produced/ bumper thrown - you can move a bit closer and possibly shoot a bird for that dog. But please do take your time. Breaking a gun shy dog is no easy task!

JW