daleh

How in the world do you people have so many Gun Shy dogs?

Jimmy S

chaselton asked the question and I was the ONLY one who replied with a dog that was (is) "Noise Shy", not Gun Shy.

I ask you, what people?

Mite

I've never had a gun shy dog. I've always use a very slow approach when introducing the gun. I learn my lesson from my first dog. I used a .22 blank pistol a few times and the dog ignored it so I took her hunting thinking that she wasn't gun shy. First crack of a shotgun fired about a mile away which startled my dog. Several shots later (also a mile away), she still shied away. Luckily, she had the chance to point her first wild pheasant which I winged and as she gave chase and caught immediately pointed another which I shot. There were 4 birds in that little corner which flushed in singles. I was able to down them all. My dog was finally able to associate gun shot with birds. But I would neverrelay on such luck again.

Phil from Maine

I might be lucky or something. As I shoot the real thing when on a bird.
However I like to get the dogs excited about hunting birds first without no noise. Then when I figure it is time to add the gun they are on the birds.
That is why I like the bird farms to be able to get a good clear shot so the
bird will get hit. And to watch the excitement when the dog sees that bird
falling is great to see. Then I can get them to set up a harder coarse for
them to hunt in so I can get them on the real thing easier. This year I
have put up my own pheasant pen to use doubles with as that is where
my problem is currently. When more than one bird flys they seem more
interested in finding the one that flew away. Having my own will allow me
to put them out in a big field so I can keep the focus on the dogs better.
Any way good luck in what you try.

ktbearpaws

I was thinking about getting me a Springer. Are they bad for being gunshy?

Mite

Any dog can become gunshy. It's man-made. It is all in how you introduce the gun.Most of the reason for gunshy dogs are because the owner got a 'great idea' but it didn't work out. Like subjecting the dog to firecrackers or taking the dog to the gunrange with exposure to gunfire. Or the owner got impatient and shot acap gun then took the dog 'hunting'.

ktbearpaws

I had a beagle that became gunshy at one time, but, I think he got that way because someone took a shot at when I wasn't around. But, I did finally get him out of it, but it took a while. Best rabbit dog I ever had!!!
I just wondered if springers were more of a candidate to become gunshy.

Phil from Maine

I agree with what Mite said that most is man made. I had an Irish
that was almost gun shy. She was very timid and took alot of work.
What had caused this was being in the cargo hold of the jet liner.
There is alot of load noises from the wheels being lifted as well as
breaking on the ground. Also cold and dark in there. She came
around after a while. But, it took alot of work being carefull and
keeping the kids from banging caps, and etc. After chasing birds
for a while I decided to try and shoot a bird and now when the
gun comes out she can not wait to go hunting. She loves to find
the birds and shooting them does not seem to bother her none.

Blueditch42

Mite you are exactly right. There isnt a hunting dog on the planet born gun shy. It is man made.

MA Jay

KT - to answer your question about Springers being more prone to being gun shy, I would say no. In my personal experiences I have met just as many GSP's, Setters, Brit's and just about every other breed that was gun/noise shy about as commonly as a Springer.