Charlie Anderson Posted February 20 Report Share Posted February 20 good evening, just out of interest and apologies if this has been covered before but what is the standard age that you would introduce a dog to gun fire? regards Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dougy Posted February 20 Report Share Posted February 20 We did it very slowly, and quietly at the start, incorporate play and treats. When we had the pup at home each feed time we made noises quiet at the start then increased, pots, pans, you-tube firework noises on the telly make it all fun and dont fuss about any noise. We drove down to a clay ground with the pup in the car, windows closed and some music on, stayed for about 2 or 3 minutes treats and fussed, then drove back out, then increased over weeks. opened windows, stayed longer until there was no reaction. Over time out of the car and a walk round, treats every now and again and incorporate a bit of training ( all very simple stuff) to distract. We must have done a decent job, we have 2 dogs that are just about bomb proof they will stand on a peg and watch the birds as you shoot, firework's night they dont give a second look, all good apart from Buster, he jumps out of his skin if a paperclip falls an the kitchen floor. We never planned for those Take it slow, no need to rush, get your little man or girl used to as much as you can over the early months, traffic, lorry's, tractors, farm stock, horses, squirrels, rabbits the lot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yellow Bear Posted February 20 Report Share Posted February 20 41 minutes ago, Dougy said: We did it very slowly, and quietly at the start, incorporate play and treats. When we had the pup at home each feed time we made noises quiet at the start then increased, pots, pans, you-tube firework noises on the telly make it all fun and dont fuss about any noise. We drove down to a clay ground with the pup in the car, windows closed and some music on, stayed for about 2 or 3 minutes treats and fussed, then drove back out, then increased over weeks. opened windows, stayed longer until there was no reaction. Over time out of the car and a walk round, treats every now and again and incorporate a bit of training ( all very simple stuff) to distract. We must have done a decent job, we have 2 dogs that are just about bomb proof they will stand on a peg and watch the birds as you shoot, firework's night they dont give a second look, all good apart from Buster, he jumps out of his skin if a paperclip falls an the kitchen floor. We never planned for those Take it slow, no need to rush, get your little man or girl used to as much as you can over the early months, traffic, lorry's, tractors, farm stock, horses, squirrels, rabbits the lot. similar to this except SWMBO would sit in the boot (estate) with the pup at the back of the car park and then at the cafe(Catton park on a Wednesday) chatting to the other non shooting wives. The pup enjoyed all the fuss from the other guns. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie Anderson Posted February 24 Author Report Share Posted February 24 thanks Gents Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pukka Bundook Posted February 25 Report Share Posted February 25 Choosing a pup from a litter, we used to clap our hands loudly, and those that pricked their ears up and looked were more likely candidates than those who shrunk back or acted nervy! Its in the blood of some and can save a lot of time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen-H Posted February 25 Report Share Posted February 25 Put saving private ryan on & turn the volume up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
London Best Posted February 25 Report Share Posted February 25 My current Lab bitch is certainly not gun shy. Nor is she centre fire rifle shy. But if you clatter pots and pans she is terrified. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poor Shot Posted February 25 Report Share Posted February 25 (edited) 39 minutes ago, London Best said: My current Lab bitch is certainly not gun shy. Nor is she centre fire rifle shy. But if you clatter pots and pans she is terrified. Same here. I can shoot over her all day with all sorts but get the oven trays out or wrap your sandwiches in baco foil and she's heading for the hills. Also, despite my best efforts she is terrified of fireworks. Barely audible pops from fireworks in the next village will have her cowering under one of the beds upstairs. November is a **** time for her. Funny old things dogs. OP. Much along the same lines as others, we found a clay ground that had a long road leading up to it and did it there. Started one Saturday at the furthest point away from the ground, throwing some dummies around and keeping her occupied. Next Saturday 100 yards closer and so on. On the third Saturday we just walked right up to the stands and she wasn't bothered. Some dogs will take longer obviously but it's pretty easy to see when they are ready and when they need more time. That was mixed in with some training using a starting pistol fired inside a gamebag to muffle the noise and fired in the open at a distance away from the dog. Starting pistols are different so don't confuse your dog being steady to a starting pistol with being ready for a shotgun. Always have them doing something like retrieves or working some cover to take their mind away from the noise when you are doing the introduction. Edited February 25 by Poor Shot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave at kelton Posted February 25 Report Share Posted February 25 Reiterating the above but this is what I do. 1. I wait until they are a year old so their ears are fully developed 2. I take it slow and go to a clay ground when it’s quiet where I can sit with them on the tailgate at least 400 yds away… bang equals treat watch for no adverse reaction and assuming none start to,walk in on a lead. Every bang = a small treat… 3. Any sign of nervousness and we go home and and come back another time (can’t remember when there last was) 4. Assuming it’s not too busy I just slowly walk up toward guns getting closer and feeding treats.. with the last few dogs I have stood a few yards behind guns first time out . I do not use blank pistols or dummy launchers. It is more of a crack and disturbs some dogs….they are for advance training only in my experience. This has never failed me in over 40+ years,, prep8s the usual dropping feed bowls and making a racket from puppy upward. Hope it helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lloyd90 Posted February 25 Report Share Posted February 25 I start when they first come home but it’s a damn long time before they are having any sort of gun fired over them. General household noise … plates and pots clattering… metal dog bowls gently clashing building up over several weeks … associating the noise with a reward of feed time… However I’ll also research a pup well and be 110% sure it’s from strong working lines with BOTH parents doing the business. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harkom Posted Wednesday at 11:34 Report Share Posted Wednesday at 11:34 If use of blank firing pistol as part of the introductory regime I would suggest use of the 6mm type instead of the .22 type. The former are not as loud / objectionable as the .22 type (even the milder type .22 give a loud and noticeable ear-splitting "crack"). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie Anderson Posted Thursday at 19:14 Author Report Share Posted Thursday at 19:14 once again thank you for the advice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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