darren m Posted March 24, 2009 Report Share Posted March 24, 2009 intro to gunfire at what age do you introduce gunfire to your dogs training thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deeksofdoom Posted March 24, 2009 Report Share Posted March 24, 2009 Your dog is still only 5 months, its too young, 12 months is old enough! If you want you can start showing the gun to it so it will get used to the sight and smell of it. Have you sorted out the recall yet? did you get the training classes? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
new to the flock Posted March 24, 2009 Report Share Posted March 24, 2009 I start mine around 7weeks with banging pots or food bowls together, or a couple of hinged pieces of 2x4... theese are great as you can control how load the noise is by how hard you band them together. Usually start at feeding time while they are well distracted and then increase the frequency through the day. The pups are usually taking a cap pistol at feeding time by 12 weeks old. Nothing formal just getting them use to the noise. NTTF Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gillaroo Posted March 24, 2009 Report Share Posted March 24, 2009 Exactly as above with food bowls - bang bang bang... dinner time - thus associating a loud noise with enjoyment. Don't just go straight out with a five shot semi. Just build up steadily and you won't go wrong. Cheers Gillaroo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raja Clavata Posted March 24, 2009 Report Share Posted March 24, 2009 So what are the risks associated with introducing the dog to gunfire too early? I guess what I'm getting at is that if you introduce it to gunfire at say 6 months and its fine with it, can it subsequently regress and go gun shy OR is it the case that once introduced, irrespective of age, it should be OK in the future too? Sorry if it's a dumb question, I've read all the theory but not seen an explanation of the rationale behind this. Thanks Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darren m Posted March 25, 2009 Author Report Share Posted March 25, 2009 NTTF -- cheers Dan - being slamming doors and banging bowls for a few months now as per lab . she seems ok , she looks a bit startled sometimes but then carries on playing or eating . the prob is a few weekends ago i let the dogs ( all 3 ) into the garden for a pee before bed about 11/12 pm-ish , then sat back down . i was just nodding off when BOOM BANG some **** near by was letting off fireworks , i then realised the dogs where still outside i jumped up ran to the back door to let them in and found her under the garden bench tail between legs looking terrified. any way that was a few months ago , so was thinking about taking her out soon for some long distance bangs ,just to see her reaction , will use my hushpower 410 , just a couple of shots . she will also get plenty of play , treats and a couple of tennis ball retrieves to soften the blow. what do you think ?? Deeks -- i understand what you mean mate but this is all play training at the mo ,3 or 4 times a week not twice a day every day , i will start training proper when she is 6/7 months. i,m not pushing her or letting my self get stressed , recall and retrieves have progressed well , so as heal and sit, we is getting there if i think she,s not happy i,ll back off no probs , but so far she is keen , her mum is a great worker and i can see the potenial in her . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
new to the flock Posted March 25, 2009 Report Share Posted March 25, 2009 So what are the risks associated with introducing the dog to gunfire too early? I guess what I'm getting at is that if you introduce it to gunfire at say 6 months and its fine with it, can it subsequently regress and go gun shy OR is it the case that once introduced, irrespective of age, it should be OK in the future too? Sorry if it's a dumb question, I've read all the theory but not seen an explanation of the rationale behind this. Thanks Mike Mike, If the dog is introduced correctly, and then brought on with exposure weekly/biweekly from a young age you should never have a problm. Most cases of gunshyness are caused either when they are taken out and shots are started too close with the dog sitting still or by the handler not realizing that he just shot directly over the dogs head and muzzle blasted him. In all cases if it is a dog that does not get a lot of exposure to the gun, or has had a long layoff6 months or more I would reccomend re introducing the gun before hunting him where he may get startled. NTTF Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
new to the flock Posted March 25, 2009 Report Share Posted March 25, 2009 NTTF -- cheers Dan - being slamming doors and banging bowls for a few months now as per lab .she seems ok , she looks a bit startled sometimes but then carries on playing or eating . the prob is a few weekends ago i let the dogs ( all 3 ) into the garden for a pee before bed about 11/12 pm-ish , then sat back down . i was just nodding off when BOOM BANG some **** near by was letting off fireworks , i then realised the dogs where still outside i jumped up ran to the back door to let them in and found her under the garden bench tail between legs looking terrified. any way that was a few months ago , so was thinking about taking her out soon for some long distance bangs ,just to see her reaction , will use my hushpower 410 , just a couple of shots . she will also get plenty of play , treats and a couple of tennis ball retrieves to soften the blow. what do you think ?? Deeks -- i understand what you mean mate but this is all play training at the mo ,3 or 4 times a week not twice a day every day , i will start training proper when she is 6/7 months. i,m not pushing her or letting my self get stressed , recall and retrieves have progressed well , so as heal and sit, we is getting there if i think she,s not happy i,ll back off no probs , but so far she is keen , her mum is a great worker and i can see the potenial in her . It is not going to be a problem if you do it right with the gun a good distance off and her busy doing something.....chasing a bunny, running after a bumper something. Do not have her sitting still when you fire, and dont try to be standing beside her all in one day. Take your time especially as she has had a fireworks scare. Fireworks are much loader and harsher then a game gun so hopefully she will get through fine. If you find you are haveing even the slightest shyness stop and get hold of me and i will lend you the gunshot and the fireworks sound programs by starfire. NTTF Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raja Clavata Posted March 25, 2009 Report Share Posted March 25, 2009 Thanks Dan, that's alleviated some fears that I may have unwittingly balls'd it up with our boy. Perhaps the fact that he was reared in a busy utility room helped with the early conditioning. Pretty much from day one he has been completely unfazed by all noises presented to him --- including an electric power plane early on. Not shot over the top of him yet, and nor will I for some time, he's always by my side or slightly behind, he used to completely ignore it but has recently started to stop and look up at me (which is kinda reassuring). This is consistent with the normal walks on the pavement when I stop as I've been trying to get him to look up at me then too (obviously I similarly always stop and stand still in the filed when I fire the gun). Darren - I hope you get yours sorted ATB Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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