Speaking of gun shy.

mnmthunting

mnmthunting

Banned
Talk about a odd weird thing to have happened.
Couple months ago while starting to work with a gun [22mag] and Regular Dog [RD] I'm doing a little target shooting, Cooper the old hand was excited with the gun coming out and sniffing here and there and everywhere looking for a bird. RD is wondering what the heck as she follows Cooper? After a a few shots RD lets out some yelps , I wonder what the heck? now she is frantically shaking her head, BEES!!! she has bees all over her and stinging her on the face. She had stepped on a bee hive.

How could things have gone worse for working a young dog with gun shots?
Been very worried about all this and how things will turn out. She seemed SO promising. Anyway I let it go a couple weeks. Then brought out the 22 mag. She remembered, at the sight of the gun she was shaking her head like there was a swarm of bees on her again. No bees of course, I shot a couple times, RD still thinking bees are on her.

I have been carrying the 22 while on our walks lately but not shooting. RD loves the romp and seems OK with the gun now.

Some suggestions?
 
Wow. That is very unfortunate, I hope rd comes around.
 
Get a couple pigeons. Tape the wings so they can't fly. Toss some retrieves for her for a few days. Let her have fun. When a few days pass, and the dog is really going in hard on the pickup, Have a friend off to the side with a low base load about 50-60 yards down wind. Toss the bird so it flaps a ways on a longer retrieve, away from the gunner. As soon as the bird is about to hit the ground raise, your hand for him to shoot. If she is showing no sign of being spooked let her have a few more. Move closer gradualy over time, a couple weeks. If she is spooked by the shot just keep doing retrieves for a while and move the gunner farther away when you try again.
 
This story is a good example of why introduction to gunfire should be done in a very controlled environment. Best wishes that she gets over the correlation of guns and bees.
 
Time and Fun Will Heal

I think just the passage of time will do the trick. Also, do some things that are fun for the dog, like feeding it pieces of hotdog, while gun fire is happening. To prepare a pup I had, I carried a .44 on off leash field walks and fired off rounds at random while the dog was out front. I just kept walking and did not react in anyway when I touched off a round -- as if loud gunfire was a normal part of a fun run in the field.
 
Wayne, Sorry to hear about the bees. I would try to find a good field and give the dog some good runs. Carry a gun if possible and let know the bees are gone and won't hurt her. Which I see you are doing and I would continue on that course...........Bob
 
Now that is some bad luck for your first time out with the dog and the gun! Stick with her and there is a good chance she'll come around. I had 1 gun shy dog and my grandpa tried to convince me she would never hunt. I took her for rides in my truck every day for awhile to improve our relationship. Then I'd take the shotgun out to a place she was familiar and comfortable with, then take a knee with her under one elbow, and I'd shoot into the air. A shotgun isn't near as loud when you're behind it and she didn't mind it since she was under my arm just like when we were riding in the truck together. She's 12 now and has given me at least 10 years of good service and I hope she feels the same about me......whatever method you choose my friend, just don't give up!~!
 
my gsp was fine with guns but after a storm that hit the power line she goes ape s"""". now she is not sure what the sound is
 
Thanks you guys, that's some very good and sound advice.
Yup, I do need to make the gun fun time. No, I won't give up on her she's a great companion, we sure enough have bonded.:) She totally loves feathered critters of even the smallest variety. I think with the enthusiasm of Cooper "her big buddy" With the shotgun and she relates the gun to grouse or pheasants she might just be a great hunter.:thumbsup:
 
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