I only used a gun when my dog was onto a bird. That kept the dogs mind off the noise. Now when ever a gun goes off he comes running to see what was going on. He loves hunting birds for me and has worked out great for me. One thing is to always make sure you pat him when he does a good job. Some like to give them snacks and it makes it more difficult when you are hunting and forgot to bring the snacks along. Just a good pat and tell him good boy will have done the trick just fine.