monkeyboots Posted April 8, 2007 Report Share Posted April 8, 2007 went and picked up a lab 12months old last thursday, the dog has been partly trained and is coming to whistle retreaving land and water and walks to heal, all she needs now is a bit of steading up she also has had shots fired over and is fine enough, apart from one thing she will cringe a bit when the gun is raised and fired but she dosent run off and she then goes for the retreave no bother even while she is on the retreave and further shots are fired she continues with the retreave with no problems, now what id like to ask is this intiall cringe at the start nothing to worry about or should i be wary of it any advice would be grateful Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dusk2dawn Posted April 8, 2007 Report Share Posted April 8, 2007 went and picked up a lab 12months old last thursday, the dog has been partly trained and is coming to whistle retreaving land and water and walks to heal, all she needs now is a bit of steading up she also has had shots fired over and is fine enough, apart from one thing she will cringe a bit when the gun is raised and fired but she dosent run off and she then goes for the retreave no bother even while she is on the retreave and further shots are fired she continues with the retreave with no problems, now what id like to ask is this intiall cringe at the start nothing to worry about or should i be wary of it any advice would be grateful NTTF is the man for this, but I would offer TLC and treats associated with the gun, the pup has probably been shot over far too early and has bad memories. D2D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dazza Posted April 9, 2007 Report Share Posted April 9, 2007 good luck with her Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
new to the flock Posted April 9, 2007 Report Share Posted April 9, 2007 MB, With what you are discribing I would say that someone has shot directly over this dogs head, hitting her with a muzzel blast. If this is the case be be careful to never do this yourself or she may very well just leave. Wheather she has had a shot over her head, or was exposed to gun fire too often at an early age, you would be best to do some work with her. The TLC and treats associated with the gun is a very good idea. I would start by bringing her out in the back yard with some treats that she really likes......very small treats..... and just have her sit beside you. Raise the gun as if you are going to fire....give a treat.....lower the gun....give a treat. Be sure to make a fuss of her with lots of good girls and other praise as you treat. Once the gun is lowered break it open ....balance it across your knee while bending down and praising her. I would repeat this exercise once or twice aday until she is sitting comfortable with the movement of the gun. I would then run her through this program; http://forums.pigeonwatch.co.uk/forums/ind...showtopic=19511 The birds that we use are ferel pigions. These can be caught in pigeon traps from farm buildings, appartment roofs, under bridges etc. We place them out in the field in severel ways,.....putting them to sleep, remote bird launchers, and 3/4 wire cages that sit over the bird. These cages are attatched to a string so that the cage can be pulled off as the dog approaches. Which ever method that you use be sure to hunt your dog in from down wind. The idea is not to go out and kill all these birds, the idea is to have your dog chase the birds as you bring the gun in closer and closer through each stage. Also read this thread; http://forums.pigeonwatch.co.uk/forums/ind...showtopic=19639 If you have any questions, or need any help setting everything up let me kow. NTTF Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monkeyboots Posted April 9, 2007 Author Report Share Posted April 9, 2007 cheers for the info Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
new to the flock Posted April 9, 2007 Report Share Posted April 9, 2007 Just a little more info that was passed on via PM's, for those that may be going through the same. QUOTE QUOTE many thanks for your advice , the person who i bought the dog off must of let the dog run in on a shot cos if a shot is fired above her and a dummy throwen for her and she is let run in the gunfire dosent bother her but when shes on a lead and a shot is fired thats when she cowers but will still go for the retreave, yes she cowers when the gun is raised i was out this morning raiseing the gun but not fireing and i praised her everytime i raised the gun, she dosent flinch when shots are fired up to about 20 or 30 yards so do you think as you said just give her treats when the gun is raised should i take the gun out every day on her training and get her used to it not being fired and should i still get a friend to fire shots in the distance even though this dosent flinch her when there fired at a distance many thanks for any advice you can give and have given Hi Mate, Do you mind if I move this over to the open thread, as the information may well help someone else , and to be honest it saves me typing repetative answers . I would be sure to take the gun out everyday for her to start to associate it with good times and no load sharp noise. I would also break the gun open and when feeding her....even if it is a very light tidbit meal........lay it on the ground and place her bowl between the wings. I would hold off shooting around her at all for the next 2 to 3 weeks while building this positive association up, and then I would re- introduce the gun as in the gun sensitive program. Be sure to go slow and easy with this and you should end up with a solid dog. If you rush things or continue with her cringing she may very well break down one day. If you would like I will try to get some pictures of the pigeon trapping and setting for you. It is very easy and really helps the dog to concentrate on something other than the gun. If you have a small loft than most times you are just reusing your original pigeons....as long as you give them a couple of weeks to home there. Dan yes no probs. and thanks for the advice NTTF Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monkeyboots Posted April 15, 2007 Author Report Share Posted April 15, 2007 just a wee update the dog is now fine with the gun being raised the treats and praise really brung her on she dosent cower now she dosent flinch one bit shes happy enough about the gun she has been like this for 4 days now so what id like to know should i give another week of walking about with the gun raiseing it and more praise or is she ready to introduce the gunfire at a distance and work my way in to her Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
new to the flock Posted April 16, 2007 Report Share Posted April 16, 2007 Monkey Boots, Do not rush her, give her another week. NTTF Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dusk2dawn Posted April 16, 2007 Report Share Posted April 16, 2007 just a wee update the dog is now fine with the gun being raised the treats and praise really brung her on she dosent cower now she dosent flinch one bit shes happy enough about the gun she has been like this for 4 days now so what id like to know should i give another week of walking about with the gun raiseing it and more praise or is she ready to introduce the gunfire at a distance and work my way in to her Thats what we all like to hear, a happy ending to what could have developed into a very difficult problem. Something to be aware of when taking on young or inexperienced dogs. D2D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monkeyboots Posted April 28, 2007 Author Report Share Posted April 28, 2007 well lads just a final word on this subject after following the advice on here over the last number of weeks ive now a dog who isnt cowering at the sound of the gun anymore and went out today and shot 2 rabbits a crow and starling over the dog and she had 2 lovely retreaves with the rabbits so im really happy this problem is sorted so many thanks for all the advice that was given B) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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