2006-07-10 03:34:12 · 12 answers · asked by alicia_pray 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
What you want to do is called counter conditioning and desensitization (CC&D), and there's a link with very good details in the source list below. The short version is that you need to start at a very low level (like dropping a book, possibly onto carpeting) and reward your dog immediately after the noise. As he becomes acclimated to this sound level, increase the volume a little more, and eventually you'll (hopefully) get to the point where he thinks gunshots are a wonderful thing, or at least comfortably tolerate them.
Allie has the right idea, but you must include the CC along with the D. Grendle's on the right path, too, but starting right out at the gun range may be too much to start with. If he's not too gun-shy, you might be able to start the CC&D about a mile away from the range, then get closer and closer as your pup tolerates it better and better. Unfortunately, jamerz may be right as well; however, CC&D, taken slowly and carefully enough, has a very high rate of success - it very much depends upon how much time and effort you're willing to put into the process. - g^2
Side note: I attended an event last year that included dog dock diving and flyball competitions in an outdoor arena. There was also a stage there with demonstrations, one of which was a local law enforcement group staging a robbery. When the guns started firing, a lot of the dock diving dogs got excited, since a lot of them are gun dogs (by training or by nature). Unfortunately, a lot of the flyball dogs had not experienced anything like that before, and were pretty freaked out by all of the shooting.
2006-07-10 04:59:45 · answer #1 · answered by ex-geek now trains dogs 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take him to the range on weekends, and give him lots of affection and treats while other folks are shooting. He will learn to associate the sound of guns with warm feelings and get over being gunshy, although he may always be startled by the actual reports.
2006-07-10 03:38:03 · answer #2 · answered by Grendle 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keep the dog away from guns. Just like children.
2006-07-10 04:11:06 · answer #3 · answered by janewestusaf 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Get your dog his own gun silly
2006-07-18 19:29:39 · answer #4 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can try all sorts of techniques, but in the end, your four footed friend just may not adapt. We have had several dogs, most for hunting, but every once in awhile, you get one that steadfastly refuese to cooperate. So you honor his nature and don't force him along!
2006-07-10 03:51:45 · answer #5 · answered by jamerz3294 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Give him the gun and let him shoot it. I bet you become gun shy then. LOL
[Sorry, couldn't resist.]
2006-07-10 03:38:08 · answer #6 · answered by Will D 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you mean one afraid of gunshots? You coud try recording the sound of a shot and then play it back at a low noise. Then, gradually make it louder.
2006-07-10 03:37:15 · answer #7 · answered by allie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no!! dogs don't like guns!! what breed are you talking about?
2006-07-10 06:02:17 · answer #8 · answered by juicyfruitishandsome 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
don't point any guns at it.
2006-07-19 23:39:39 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
let him get used to them
2006-07-18 08:38:57 · answer #10 · answered by chadster 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋