How to Introduce Dog to Gunfire

If you are an avid hunter or simply live in a rural area where gunfire is common, it is important to train your dog not to be gun-shy. Some dogs seem to be born with no fear of loud noises; others you may adopt later in life or as a puppy, and for numerous reasons may be frightened of gunfire. In general, most puppies have to be acclimated to the loud noises that guns emit. Training your dog to be a helpful hunting companion will take patience and perseverance, but you will see results over time.

Things You'll Need

  • Check rope
  • Decoy or animal you wish to hunt
  • Assistant
  • Gun with either blanks or real ammunition
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take your dog to an outdoor location where gunfire is legal. Pet your dog and play with it to get it into an enthusiastic mood.

    • 2

      Attach a check rope to your dog’s leash and toss a bird, raccoon, decoy or whatever type of animal you wish to hunt a few yards away so that your dog will retrieve it.

    • 3

      Guide it back gently with the check rope if it does not immediately return the animal to you.

    • 4

      Have the assistant walk 10 to 15 yards away from you and your dog. Hold on to the check rope and tell the assistant to toss the animal for your dog to retrieve.

    • 5

      Command your dog to retrieve the animal either after it lands on the ground or while it is still airborne.

    • 6

      Repeat the action with the assistant getting farther away each time until the distance is approximately 25 to 30 yards.

    • 7

      Observe your dog’s excitement as it goes through these routines. Now you are in the position to introduce or reintroduce gunfire to your dog. If your dog seems tired or its enthusiasm is waning, you may want to quit for the day and began another session the next day.

    • 8

      Toss the animal yourself into the air a couple of times to get the dog excited.

    • 9

      Instruct your assistant to fire a gun or a blank about 30 yards away while the dog is in hot pursuit of the decoy or animal on the third try. Make sure the animal is pursuing the decoy and is a good distance away from you.

    • 10

      Check to see your dog’s reaction to the gunshot. It may not even notice the sound, but if it does, have another decoy ready to throw to restore its excitement.

    • 11

      Repeat the action a few more times by tossing the decoy; instruct your assistant not to fire the gun every time.

    • 12

      Allow your dog to rest for the day and continue the training the next day.

    • 13

      Instruct the assistant to fire the gun earlier in the training sessions each time you toss the decoy. Soon your dog will learn to associate the sound of gunfire with the action of retrieving the decoy or animal.

    • 14

      Hold the dog and instruct your assistant to fire directly before you toss the decoy during the next session.

    • 15

      Follow your dog’s lead; if it is still excited, continue the training on the same day. You may have to work with your dog over a few days' time.

    • 16

      Instruct the assistant to get a few yards closer each time he fires the gun. Your dog will eventually become more comfortable and confident. Once the training is complete, you will be able to toss the bird yourself and fire a shot without your assistant.