How to desensitize a bully mix to gun shots. - DiscussWorldIssues - Socio-Economic Religion and Political Uncensored Debate

**Liaptoono** · 09-03-2012, 06:56 PM

I have a very active life style, always outdoors always hiking and camping, and yes shooting our big guns. I was curious what the best way would be to get my puppy(7 weeks) used to gun shots. We know a lot of dogs that are terrified and will run as far away as they can from it and we don't want our dog to be like that. If it's a natural instinct that can't be trained out or just get him used to it thats fine, we just want to have him involved in all of our activities and don't want to have to lock him in the truck while everyone else is out having fun.

**grosqueneen** · 09-03-2012, 07:05 PM

i wouldnt shoot around my dog...wouldnt wanna damage her ears thats just me though

**Liaptoono** · 09-03-2012, 07:08 PM

i wouldnt shoot around my dog...wouldnt wanna damage her ears thats just me though

Thanks, I didn't know it would be able to damage their ears. I guess I'm hanging out with to many hunting dogs because they all seem to love it haha.

**grosqueneen** · 09-03-2012, 07:10 PM

idk if it can actually damage ears im just assuming because i know i wouldnt wanna be shooting without ear protection

**Mymnnarry** · 09-03-2012, 07:20 PM

There are tons of gun dogs out there. I have lots of friends that hunt, he will be fine. I would not have him just hanging out right there with you if you are just shooting repeatedly. Maybe start with him in the car in a safe zone. Crate in the car then in the crate behind the car.... etc. go slow Some dogs aren't afraid of them at all.

**Liaptoono** · 09-03-2012, 07:23 PM

There are tons of gun dogs out there. I have lots of friends that hunt, he will be fine. I would not have him just hanging out right there with you if you are just shooting repeatedly. Maybe start with him in the car in a safe zone. Crate in the car then in the crate behind the car.... etc. go slow Some dogs aren't afraid of them at all.

I feel like i need to hire you to give me dog advice haha, your always the person who answers my questions accurately and completely the first time haha.

**SerycegeBunny** · 09-03-2012, 07:34 PM

http://www.coondawgs.com/articles/gunshy.pdf
http://www.coondawgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=21022
http://www.coondawgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=64560

**Mymnnarry** · 09-03-2012, 07:35 PM

LOL, thanks but I am constantly learning and re jiggying the way I do things. The great thing about dogs is, if you aren't too heavy handed or beat on them you can screw up from time to time and reevaluate what you are doing wrong and try something new. I don't spoil my dogs or let them get away with dominant behavior but I don't yell or beat either. There is always room to learn and room for error!

**br`lorance** · 09-03-2012, 07:46 PM

i wouldnt shoot around my dog...wouldnt wanna damage her ears thats just me though

I think shooting around dogs is fine. There's a sport where you shoot down a bird from a distance the dog runs to it then when located, the dog barks to signify the hunter the it's been found. Just don't shoot right next to the dogs ear.

**Rwujnezq** · 09-03-2012, 07:49 PM

We shoot guns around our dogs. No ear damage to speak of.

But we did start slow. I'd have the dogs with me on one side of the field, behind everyone who was dicking around with the guns on the other side. After the first few shots, my dogs didn't really care anymore.

**ARKLqAZ6** · 09-03-2012, 08:03 PM

Id bring him to the range and let him run about while you shoot and get a reaction out of him first. Is there a reason you think he is scared of it?
I have one that runs to hide and one that runs to see what I shot..two complete opposites.

**SerycegeBunny** · 09-03-2012, 08:09 PM

I'd say that first link I posted is all you need to know.

**Soolfelpecelf** · 09-03-2012, 08:33 PM

I have one that runs to hide and one that runs to see what I shot..two complete opposites.

The dogs I've seen that don't like the gunshots seem to have such a deep-seated fear that I think it DOES have a genetic component. There doesn't seem to be an in-between --they are very fearful or act like they don't even hear them!

I do NOT push any dog to "deal with it" by purposefully exposing him to gunshots. I think that's cruelty. *I* would deal with it by leaving the dog at home if I knew I was going hunting or shooting, etc..

Carla

**Liaptoono** · 09-03-2012, 08:51 PM

Id bring him to the range and let him run about while you shoot and get a reaction out of him first. Is there a reason you think he is scared of it?
I have one that runs to hide and one that runs to see what I shot..two complete opposites.

Nope no reason, he hasn't been around it at all yet. We just didn't want to traumatize him or something. We didn't want to bring him shooting and do something that could ruin him for the rest of his life or something so I wanted to see all the different ideas on starting him out o hearing it and stuff.

**Soolfelpecelf** · 09-03-2012, 08:58 PM

If he's never been exposed to it, observe him when someone shoots off in the distance, then bring closer.

**illetrygrargo** · 09-03-2012, 09:32 PM

The dogs I've seen that don't like the gunshots seem to have such a deep-seated fear that I think it DOES have a genetic component. There doesn't seem to be an in-between --they are very fearful or act like they don't even hear them!

I have to agree Carla.

I have had one dog that could literally have a bomb go off next to her and she could care less. No special training required. Came to the July 4th fireworks display with us every year, sat throught the parade with the canons going off... and was quite underwhelmed. She just wanted to know who brought snacks.

My current dog, is extremely noise phobic. One gunshot will send her into a month long panic attack; fireworks and thunder have her running for the safety of her crate.

**frequensearules** · 09-03-2012, 10:37 PM

I've always taken my dogs with when we go shooting/hunting. I'm sort of mean about it though... They go with, and they better get used to it! I only have one dog who is deathly afraid of gunshots (or any loud noise)... and I agree with Carla and Jazzy about there being a genetic component to it. No one else bats an eyelash at it.

**SerycegeBunny** · 09-03-2012, 10:45 PM

I think there is a genetic component to it with SOME dogs... like some dogs are genetically predisposed to DA and some just had a bad experience with a dog as a pup. But it won't kill the dog for you to TRY to get them over it. I bet the method in that first link I posted would work with any dog.

**Liaptoono** · 09-03-2012, 11:07 PM

Thanks a ton everyone, i like seeing all the pro's and con's you all have with it. I mean even if he is scared of it, he will still be going with us when we shoot, just have to stay in his crate in the back of the truck or something because he will be under our supervision 24/7 haha.

---------- Post added at 05:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:06 PM ----------

I've always taken my dogs with when we go shooting/hunting. I'm sort of mean about it though... They go with, and they better get used to it! I only have one dog who is deathly afraid of gunshots (or any loud noise)... and I agree with Carla and Jazzy about there being a genetic component to it. No one else bats an eyelash at it.

Since your so close and were gunna have a puppy plat date soon, you and your dogs should all come shooting with us sometime!

**frequensearules** · 09-04-2012, 12:54 AM

Since your so close and were gunna have a puppy plat date soon, you and your dogs should all come shooting with us sometime!

Sounds like a good plan to me!

09-03-2012, 06:56 PM	#1
Liaptoono Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 679 Senior Member	How to desensitize a bully mix to gun shots. I have a very active life style, always outdoors always hiking and camping, and yes shooting our big guns. I was curious what the best way would be to get my puppy(7 weeks) used to gun shots. We know a lot of dogs that are terrified and will run as far away as they can from it and we don't want our dog to be like that. If it's a natural instinct that can't be trained out or just get him used to it thats fine, we just want to have him involved in all of our activities and don't want to have to lock him in the truck while everyone else is out having fun. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
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09-03-2012, 07:05 PM	#2
grosqueneen Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 443 Senior Member	i wouldnt shoot around my dog...wouldnt wanna damage her ears thats just me though Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
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09-03-2012, 07:08 PM	#3
Liaptoono Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 679 Senior Member	i wouldnt shoot around my dog...wouldnt wanna damage her ears thats just me though Thanks, I didn't know it would be able to damage their ears. I guess I'm hanging out with to many hunting dogs because they all seem to love it haha. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
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09-03-2012, 07:10 PM	#4
grosqueneen Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 443 Senior Member	idk if it can actually damage ears im just assuming because i know i wouldnt wanna be shooting without ear protection Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
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09-03-2012, 07:20 PM	#5
Mymnnarry Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 641 Senior Member	There are tons of gun dogs out there. I have lots of friends that hunt, he will be fine. I would not have him just hanging out right there with you if you are just shooting repeatedly. Maybe start with him in the car in a safe zone. Crate in the car then in the crate behind the car.... etc. go slow Some dogs aren't afraid of them at all. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

09-03-2012, 07:23 PM	#6
Liaptoono Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 679 Senior Member	There are tons of gun dogs out there. I have lots of friends that hunt, he will be fine. I would not have him just hanging out right there with you if you are just shooting repeatedly. Maybe start with him in the car in a safe zone. Crate in the car then in the crate behind the car.... etc. go slow Some dogs aren't afraid of them at all. I feel like i need to hire you to give me dog advice haha, your always the person who answers my questions accurately and completely the first time haha. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

09-03-2012, 07:34 PM	#7
SerycegeBunny Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 590 Senior Member	http://www.coondawgs.com/articles/gunshy.pdf http://www.coondawgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=21022 http://www.coondawgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=64560 Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
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09-03-2012, 07:35 PM	#8
Mymnnarry Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 641 Senior Member	LOL, thanks but I am constantly learning and re jiggying the way I do things. The great thing about dogs is, if you aren't too heavy handed or beat on them you can screw up from time to time and reevaluate what you are doing wrong and try something new. I don't spoil my dogs or let them get away with dominant behavior but I don't yell or beat either. There is always room to learn and room for error! Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

09-03-2012, 07:46 PM	#9
br`lorance Join Date Nov 2005 Posts 442 Senior Member	i wouldnt shoot around my dog...wouldnt wanna damage her ears thats just me though I think shooting around dogs is fine. There's a sport where you shoot down a bird from a distance the dog runs to it then when located, the dog barks to signify the hunter the it's been found. Just don't shoot right next to the dogs ear. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

09-03-2012, 07:49 PM	#10
Rwujnezq Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 545 Senior Member	We shoot guns around our dogs. No ear damage to speak of. But we did start slow. I'd have the dogs with me on one side of the field, behind everyone who was dicking around with the guns on the other side. After the first few shots, my dogs didn't really care anymore. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

09-03-2012, 08:03 PM	#11
ARKLqAZ6 Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 479 Senior Member	Id bring him to the range and let him run about while you shoot and get a reaction out of him first. Is there a reason you think he is scared of it? I have one that runs to hide and one that runs to see what I shot..two complete opposites. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

09-03-2012, 08:09 PM	#12
SerycegeBunny Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 590 Senior Member	I'd say that first link I posted is all you need to know. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
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09-03-2012, 08:33 PM	#13
Soolfelpecelf Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 509 Senior Member	I have one that runs to hide and one that runs to see what I shot..two complete opposites. The dogs I've seen that don't like the gunshots seem to have such a deep-seated fear that I think it DOES have a genetic component. There doesn't seem to be an in-between --they are very fearful or act like they don't even hear them! I do NOT push any dog to "deal with it" by purposefully exposing him to gunshots. I think that's cruelty. *I* would deal with it by leaving the dog at home if I knew I was going hunting or shooting, etc.. Carla Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
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09-03-2012, 08:51 PM	#14
Liaptoono Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 679 Senior Member	Id bring him to the range and let him run about while you shoot and get a reaction out of him first. Is there a reason you think he is scared of it? I have one that runs to hide and one that runs to see what I shot..two complete opposites. Nope no reason, he hasn't been around it at all yet. We just didn't want to traumatize him or something. We didn't want to bring him shooting and do something that could ruin him for the rest of his life or something so I wanted to see all the different ideas on starting him out o hearing it and stuff. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

09-03-2012, 08:58 PM	#15
Soolfelpecelf Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 509 Senior Member	If he's never been exposed to it, observe him when someone shoots off in the distance, then bring closer. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
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09-03-2012, 09:32 PM	#16
illetrygrargo Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 429 Senior Member	The dogs I've seen that don't like the gunshots seem to have such a deep-seated fear that I think it DOES have a genetic component. There doesn't seem to be an in-between --they are very fearful or act like they don't even hear them! I have to agree Carla. I have had one dog that could literally have a bomb go off next to her and she could care less. No special training required. Came to the July 4th fireworks display with us every year, sat throught the parade with the canons going off... and was quite underwhelmed. She just wanted to know who brought snacks. My current dog, is extremely noise phobic. One gunshot will send her into a month long panic attack; fireworks and thunder have her running for the safety of her crate. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

09-03-2012, 10:37 PM	#17
frequensearules Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 507 Senior Member	I've always taken my dogs with when we go shooting/hunting. I'm sort of mean about it though... They go with, and they better get used to it! I only have one dog who is deathly afraid of gunshots (or any loud noise)... and I agree with Carla and Jazzy about there being a genetic component to it. No one else bats an eyelash at it. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

09-03-2012, 10:45 PM	#18
SerycegeBunny Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 590 Senior Member	I think there is a genetic component to it with SOME dogs... like some dogs are genetically predisposed to DA and some just had a bad experience with a dog as a pup. But it won't kill the dog for you to TRY to get them over it. I bet the method in that first link I posted would work with any dog. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

09-03-2012, 11:07 PM	#19
Liaptoono Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 679 Senior Member	Thanks a ton everyone, i like seeing all the pro's and con's you all have with it. I mean even if he is scared of it, he will still be going with us when we shoot, just have to stay in his crate in the back of the truck or something because he will be under our supervision 24/7 haha. ---------- Post added at 05:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:06 PM ---------- I've always taken my dogs with when we go shooting/hunting. I'm sort of mean about it though... They go with, and they better get used to it! I only have one dog who is deathly afraid of gunshots (or any loud noise)... and I agree with Carla and Jazzy about there being a genetic component to it. No one else bats an eyelash at it. Since your so close and were gunna have a puppy plat date soon, you and your dogs should all come shooting with us sometime! Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

09-04-2012, 12:54 AM	#20
frequensearules Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 507 Senior Member	Since your so close and were gunna have a puppy plat date soon, you and your dogs should all come shooting with us sometime! Sounds like a good plan to me! Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote