can i teach an older dog new tricks

[mace1966]

Hi guys just wondering if i could av a word in the shel like of all you experienced dog people,, i have a 3 yr old springer that will naturaly work cover and pick up for me and retrieve but never worked her in the field with a gun, she is good to the whistle and will swim for anything i throw for her and she will retrieve dead birds...how should i introduce her to the gun? my first instinct is slowly but any ideas would be very much appreciated regards mace.

[lee-kinsman]

At 3 year old if it has good basic obedience and it's as keen as you say then yes if you start now and commit to it you could train i up.

 

ATB,

Lee

[jeffd]

I use party poppers to start with, start of in another room with both doors shut whilst giving the dog some treats if the dog does not react open one door try again whilst giving treats then both doors open. then move into the garden full length of garden then get closer. You can remove the cardboard and streamers and they give a bit more of a crack.

 

Do all this over a week or so depending on the reaction of the dog. When she is happy with the party poppers going off near her take her out with the gun and have someone fire it 300 yards away, close the distance over a few days always treating with either with food or a retrieve.

 

 

It all depends on the dog some just ignore the bang from the start others can be a bit startled at first so the rule is take it slow slow slow if the dog has any adverse reaction.