How to introduce a 5 month old pup to the gun

[winona walleye]

The pups been kickin butt in multiple retrives with dummys and ducks i bring home after a morning shoot, i want to introduce him to the gun, whats the best way to do it?

[2thepointsetters]

The method posted below works well with anytype of dog not just pointers.

http://www.fishingminnesota.com/forum/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=1174757&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1

[caseymcq]

Cap Gun

.22

.410

20 ga - 12 ga.

With the .22 you could start a ways a way with another person. Fire the gun and throw a dummy. If the pup is comfortable move a bit closer and repeat. Move progressively closer with a retrieve each time so the pup associates the gun fire with the retrieve (since you said the pup was doing well with the retrieves it would be good to associate the gun fire with something the dog likes to do).

After a few sessions with the .22 move up to a louder gun (.410) and use the same process. Work through it the same way with each progressively louder gun keeping in mind to slow down if the pup shows any aprehension to a louder gun. Back off and possibly offer a treat with the gun fire.

Good luck.

[Kallista]

I use a 410 and a cap pistol, but to me my 410 doesnt sound as loud with 3 inch shells as the cap I go out with another person, i toss the bumper around fetching and the person will fire the shotgun.. move in a bit more, each time slowly moving in to 20 feet away, How hunter sees the gun case he gets all excited and will even whine/talking sort of thing till hes getting in the jeep.. I toss around a bumper before we get into the woods, cause hes so exited, it brings his mind set for hunting..

Good luck

[Jager]

I took my GSP puppy out to the trap range and parked about a quarter mile and got out with her and walked around to see what she would do.

After see it wasn't bothering her we started walking towards the range.

She was more interested in sniffing everything else but would raise her head and take notice of the gun fire.

We got about half way to the range and went back to the car.

About a week later we did it again but walked up to the edge of the range where she could see people and what was going on.

The third time we actually went down to the range and socialized with the shooters.

She was interested in meeting and smelling all around but would raise her head when the firing started.

I kept talking to her and petting her.

After about an hour we left.

She hasn't had a problem with gun fire so I did the same thing with her daughter and it worked good with her as well.

Biggest thing is not to rush them or scare them with loud noises.

Good luck.

[JDM]

If you can, have someone throw the dummy for you from a distance. Once the dog is used to that, then have your thrower fire a cap pistol while they throw. From there it is a progression and you will need to read the dog. Take your time. Eventually, you will be shooting next to the dog as you throw. The dogs birdiness will overcome the noise and they will eventually associate the sound of the gun with birds. Start with a 22 blank pistol. Do not go to a larger gun until you are absolutely sure that they are ready. You want to accomplish two things - no fear of the gun and to associate the gun with fun.

[Kallista]

Quote:

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If you can, have someone throw the dummy for you from a distance. Once the dog is used to that, then have your thrower fire a cap pistol while they throw. From there it is a progression and you will need to read the dog. Take your time. Eventually, you will be shooting next to the dog as you throw. The dogs birdiness will overcome the noise and they will eventually associate the sound of the gun with birds. Start with a 22 blank pistol. Do not go to a larger gun until you are absolutely sure that they are ready. You want to accomplish two things - no fear of the gun and to associate the gun with fun.

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Yeah what i said LOL