Gun Shyness in Dogs

Gun shyness in dogs is a top concern among hunters.  In most instances, the problem is directly related to introducing gunfire in the wrong way.  

Hunters should take a progressive approach when conditioning their dogs to loud noises.  Wait until your dog is 8 months of age or older. Your dog should be mature, confident, marking well, and fired up about retrieving.  

To begin, start with a .22 blank, popper, or a #209 primer.  Place the popper in your training bag, and pull the trigger as you throw a bumper.  Your dog will be more interested in the bumper than the pop, and will become easily conditioned to the sound.  Over time, move closer to your dog during this exercise.

 

When you are confident that your dog is comfortable with the sound of the pop, move on to retrieving drills with a .410 shotgun.  This type of gunfire is ideal, because it is not too loud for these initial encounters. Enlist the help of a friend, and have him or her stand at a distance from you and your dog.  This person will toss a bumper in the air, and then fire the gun. Again, your dog should be more interested in the flying bumper than the sound of the gun, and conditioning should be easy at this point.  Enthusiasm and positive praise from you or the handler is also important.

When introducing your dog to gunfire, be progressive in your approach and make haste slowly.  Being conservative throughout this process is far better than delaying your training – and possibly your hunt – while you overcome gun-shyness.  

 

The Main Reasons Dog Obedience Training Is Important

The proper and effective training of your dog can be especially difficult, and if you proceed the wrong way it can also be stressful for your pet. If you are knowledgeable about how to properly train your dog, the experience can be much more enjoyable and less time-consuming.

What is Dog Obedience Training?

It is your desire for your dog as well as your family to feel safe and secure, and the objective of dog obedience training is to achieve a healthy relationship with your pet, whether you contract the services of a professional or conduct the training

yourself. Some of the techniques covered in a comprehensive dog training program are reward training, positive reinforcement, leash and collar training and dog whispering.

Two of the main goals of dog training is strengthening the relationship with your pet, as well as establishing a definite pattern of communication between the two of you. The ideal training program can assist with the elimination of any negative or destructive that are exhibited by your pet, such as jumping up on people, barking excessively, or unwanted digging and chewing.

Dogs are in need of training just as we do, in order to behave appropriately in particular situations, regardless of the time or place. You need to remember that your dog will have to take regular walks, and he will spend some amount of time outside, so you do not want him to be aggressive or unruly. Teaching your dog the correct way that he should behave, is your responsibility. He is a responsible member of the family, and this can be accomplished through the use of the right training techniques.

Benefits of Obedience Training

If you take the time to train your dog properly, he will remain a faithful companion for many years to come. Your dog will also

understand what his role in the family is, and will be able to differentiate between behaving appropriately and bad behavior. During dog training sessions you get the opportunity to spend quality time with your pet and get to know him better; the experience will be enjoyable and satisfying for both you and your dog. After the training is completed and your dog is trained properly, he will be more confident and you will appreciate spending quality time with him.

After your dog has received the proper training, you will feel confident to leave him alone, with the knowledge that he will not misbehave or attack either other dogs or people. You want your dog to feel that he is more than just a family pet but also an

important member of your family. Through training your dog can become an important member of the family and earn your love and respect.

Patience and understanding are required while training your dog, as the process can become frustrating and time-consuming. You may need to occasionally administer punishment during the training process, so you must be prepared to praise and reward your dog if he responds positively to the training and is well behaved.

Hunter Dunbar

Author Bio: Hunter is an avid Outdoorsman and Outdoor Enthusiast that has hunted both nationally and internationally as well as trained several Gun Dogs for upland and waterfowl hunting.  Hunter has the knowledge and experience on a wide variety of topics and offers up some of the best information and reviews available on the web.

 

 

At HuntEmUp.com, we know sporting dogs. From the time they’re a puppy, through their senior years, we’ll keep you informed on the latest news and information. For more information on Training, Preparing and Caring for your Dogs, read our Hunting and Sporting Dog blog.

 

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