What to do with a gun shy dog?

WannaBeGunsmith · 09-30-2009, 10:51 AM

I have a lab mix that the vet tells me is lab, blue healer and cockier spaniel. She is about 3 years old and ever since she was a puppy the site of any firearm would make her roll over and pee, which she still does to this day. Is there any way to over come that? Also she can't swim. At all. Any suggestions?

samuel · 09-30-2009, 11:16 AM

Tie her to you and go shooting and go swimming with her.Often when they find something doesn't bother the master they loose their fear.They are just like children.They follow daddys advice/actions.Don't use a .22lr.I honestly believe there is a sound with a .22 that hurts their ears.Swimming will come easy but shooting will probably take several shoot and calm down episodes.Just like getting a child used ti the mower or power tools.If you think dogs are bad,try a gunshy horse.You have to pretty much be riding them when working with them. ,,,sam.

tappedandtagged · 09-30-2009, 08:50 PM

When feeding her, use a slap board. It'll get her used to the crack without the sight of a firearm. The slap board is basically just two pieces of plyboard about 6"X12", one of which has a string tied through it. Step on one end while they're laying on top of each other on the ground. The slap will make a sound similar to a 22lr crack if done right. This is how a buddy of mine trained his squirrel dog not to be gun shy. As for yours, it'll probably be a little more rough.

WannaBeGunsmith · 09-30-2009, 11:15 PM

thanks for the help, she's very stubborn and extremely strong for her 35lb size. She can nearly pull me over. I need to invest in a thicker leash if im going to be tying her down. lol

WannaBeGunsmith · 09-30-2009, 11:16 PM

also I bought her a little doggy life jacket. Because her front paws paddle very slowly and her back end sinks. Im hoping that will help her get used to the feeling.

Seven© · 09-30-2009, 11:32 PM

Is she a hunting dog or a pet?
If she's a pet, she is what she is.
If she's a hunting dog, get another.

stonesfan08 · 09-30-2009, 11:45 PM

get a new and take him the range and shoot with it often so it gets used to gun fire

WannaBeGunsmith · 10-01-2009, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seven©

Is she a hunting dog or a pet?
If she's a pet, she is what she is.
If she's a hunting dog, get another.

When she was a puppy the guy holding the cardboard box said she was a lab. So I got excited thinking I finally have a huntin dog. Turns out shes a mutt. And not good at a lot of things, Except for cuddling and getting scared and peeing.

tappedandtagged · 10-01-2009, 08:20 AM

Sounds like you've gotta big lap dog. Some dogs are just timid. If she's doing submissive urination, then I'd have to say that she's bust on the hunting side.

On the pulling on the leash thing, that's not healthy for the dog. It'll eventually lead to permanent damage to the larynx. I know this may look mean, but it deters pulling on the leash and prevents damage. I had to use it on my bull dog mix till he learned not to pull. Now he does fine with any collar. Try this on her. Top Paw® Chrome Snap-On Collar - Collars, Tags & Leashes - Dog - PetSmart

billy · 10-01-2009, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seven©

Is she a hunting dog or a pet?
If she's a pet, she is what she is.
If she's a hunting dog, get another.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tappedandtagged

Sounds like you've gotta big lap dog. Some dogs are just timid. If she's doing submissive urination, then I'd have to say that she's bust on the hunting side.

On the pulling on the leash thing, that's not healthy for the dog. It'll eventually lead to permanent damage to the larynx. I know this may look mean, but it deters pulling on the leash and prevents damage. I had to use it on my bull dog mix till he learned not to pull. Now he does fine with any collar. Try this on her. Top Paw® Chrome Snap-On Collar - Collars, Tags & Leashes - Dog - PetSmart

sounds like a great pet.

now go get a hunting partner.
good luck and keep us up to date

BTW
that collar thingy works great.
i used one with my great dane and he stopped pulling.
and no it doesnt hurt them.

oldjarhead · 10-01-2009, 08:56 AM

Doubtful you will ever make her into a hunting dog regardless of what you do.
I agree with Seven and Billy, accept her as a good pet and find you another dog to hunt with.

gunnut2u · 10-01-2009, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WannaBeGunsmith

I have a lab mix that the vet tells me is lab, blue healer and cockier spaniel. She is about 3 years old and ever since she was a puppy the site of any firearm would make her roll over and pee, which she still does to this day. Is there any way to over come that? Also she can't swim. At all. Any suggestions?

That's an easy on Wanna b,

Don't shoot any guns around her and don't take her swimming !

geeeeeeeez .....Am I good at this are what !!!!!!!!!!!!

billy · 10-01-2009, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gunnut2u

That's an easy on Wanna b,

Don't shoot any guns around her and don't take her swimming !

geeeeeeeez .....Am I good at this are what !!!!!!!!!!!!

you have done this internet advice thing before havent you?
dont lie.....

WannaBeGunsmith · 10-01-2009, 03:35 PM

She has a choke collar, just without those spikes. The petsmart trainer told me those were for dogs with thick neck skin, Pit Bulls, German Sheppard's, dogs like that. Would it still work on this thing? ---->

Palladin8 · 10-01-2009, 03:54 PM

Well just don't do what one of my old coworkers did with his beagle that became gun shy. He got fed up with it not hunting so he shot it and went to find another one. I was beside myself just listening to him tell the story as it was no big deal.

WannaBeGunsmith · 10-01-2009, 04:11 PM

I could never shoot little Bonnie. I have a hard time spanking her, I make my girlfriend do it most of the time

hahaha I'm screwed if I ever have little girls.

Swe_shark75 · 10-03-2009, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WannaBeGunsmith

thanks for the help, she's very stubborn and extremely strong for her 35lb size. She can nearly pull me over. I need to invest in a thicker leash if im going to be tying her down. lol

Don´t tye her down and force her on the sounds and the sight of a gun. you can easly break her even moore. she can go from afraid to angry just to get free.. just take it easy make noise with the gun leaning agains the wall..

I´m sorry for the bad spelling. i hope you will understand..

best whishes swe_shark75....

tappedandtagged · 10-03-2009, 09:01 PM

I used one on my dog that looked just like Bonnie. She was some sort of lab mix as well. It never harmed her. But if you're still reluctant, try the under the belly leash dill. Hard to explain, but I'll try. Take the leash and loop the handle part under her belly as far back as you can get. Then loop it through the on top of her back. When she pulls, it'll put pressure on her stomach. Boy's really hate it since it puts pressure on their baby maker, but it still works on females. No harm, just uncomfortable. Thats what I do for my little squirrel dog. The big dog used to get the spiked collar. But he's since learned not to pull, so it's just sitting around doing nothing. (oh, and the lab mix I had ran away and I'm pretty sure, someone picked her up. Just home she has a good home.)

elmer fudd · 10-05-2009, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by samuel

Tie her to you and go shooting and go swimming with her.Often when they find something doesn't bother the master they loose their fear.They are just like children.They follow daddys advice/actions.Don't use a .22lr.I honestly believe there is a sound with a .22 that hurts their ears.Swimming will come easy but shooting will probably take several shoot and calm down episodes.Just like getting a child used ti the mower or power tools.If you think dogs are bad,try a gunshy horse.You have to pretty much be riding them when working with them. ,,,sam.

haha i know how ya feel there lol i train some horses to shoot but its too expensive for the blackpowder and everything for the 45s but ill shoot bunnies off them with a 22 lol

dman24 · 10-15-2009, 07:58 PM

I have to agree with the get another. But also keep your mutt. The animal shelters across the country are already full as it is. Sounds like you have a good companion, just not a hunting partner. I to am in your situation. I got two walker coonhounds that are gun shy. I love my dogs though. Even if you can't take her hunting she will still be your friend till the end.

09-30-2009, 10:51 AM	#1
WannaBeGunsmith Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: San Antonio Texas Posts: 101	What to do with a gun shy dog? I have a lab mix that the vet tells me is lab, blue healer and cockier spaniel. She is about 3 years old and ever since she was a puppy the site of any firearm would make her roll over and pee, which she still does to this day. Is there any way to over come that? Also she can't swim. At all. Any suggestions? __________________ "When a strong man, FULLY ARMED, guards his house, his possessions are safe." (Luke 11:21) Last edited by WannaBeGunsmith; 09-30-2009 at 10:51 AM. Reason: typo

09-30-2009, 11:16 AM	#2
samuel Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 11,722	Tie her to you and go shooting and go swimming with her.Often when they find something doesn't bother the master they loose their fear.They are just like children.They follow daddys advice/actions.Don't use a .22lr.I honestly believe there is a sound with a .22 that hurts their ears.Swimming will come easy but shooting will probably take several shoot and calm down episodes.Just like getting a child used ti the mower or power tools.If you think dogs are bad,try a gunshy horse.You have to pretty much be riding them when working with them. ,,,sam. Last edited by samuel; 09-30-2009 at 11:19 AM.

09-30-2009, 11:15 PM	#4
WannaBeGunsmith Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: San Antonio Texas Posts: 101	thanks for the help, she's very stubborn and extremely strong for her 35lb size. She can nearly pull me over. I need to invest in a thicker leash if im going to be tying her down. lol __________________ "When a strong man, FULLY ARMED, guards his house, his possessions are safe." (Luke 11:21)

09-30-2009, 11:16 PM	#5
WannaBeGunsmith Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: San Antonio Texas Posts: 101	also I bought her a little doggy life jacket. Because her front paws paddle very slowly and her back end sinks. Im hoping that will help her get used to the feeling. __________________ "When a strong man, FULLY ARMED, guards his house, his possessions are safe." (Luke 11:21)

09-30-2009, 11:32 PM	#6
Seven© Exalted Grand PooBah Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: WNC Posts: 1,833 Blog Entries: 2	Is she a hunting dog or a pet? If she's a pet, she is what she is. If she's a hunting dog, get another. __________________

09-30-2009, 08:50 PM	#3
tappedandtagged Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Southwest Arkansas Posts: 853 Blog Entries: 1	When feeding her, use a slap board. It'll get her used to the crack without the sight of a firearm. The slap board is basically just two pieces of plyboard about 6"X12", one of which has a string tied through it. Step on one end while they're laying on top of each other on the ground. The slap will make a sound similar to a 22lr crack if done right. This is how a buddy of mine trained his squirrel dog not to be gun shy. As for yours, it'll probably be a little more rough.

09-30-2009, 11:45 PM	#7
stonesfan08 Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 80	get a new and take him the range and shoot with it often so it gets used to gun fire __________________ Ladies Love Country Boys- Trace Adkins

10-01-2009, 08:20 AM	#9
tappedandtagged Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Southwest Arkansas Posts: 853 Blog Entries: 1	Sounds like you've gotta big lap dog. Some dogs are just timid. If she's doing submissive urination, then I'd have to say that she's bust on the hunting side. On the pulling on the leash thing, that's not healthy for the dog. It'll eventually lead to permanent damage to the larynx. I know this may look mean, but it deters pulling on the leash and prevents damage. I had to use it on my bull dog mix till he learned not to pull. Now he does fine with any collar. Try this on her. Top Paw® Chrome Snap-On Collar - Collars, Tags & Leashes - Dog - PetSmart

10-01-2009, 08:56 AM	#11
oldjarhead Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: MO Posts: 2,147	Doubtful you will ever make her into a hunting dog regardless of what you do. I agree with Seven and Billy, accept her as a good pet and find you another dog to hunt with. __________________ No war has ever been won by a politician!

10-01-2009, 03:35 PM	#14
WannaBeGunsmith Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: San Antonio Texas Posts: 101	She has a choke collar, just without those spikes. The petsmart trainer told me those were for dogs with thick neck skin, Pit Bulls, German Sheppard's, dogs like that. Would it still work on this thing? ----> Attached Thumbnails __________________ "When a strong man, FULLY ARMED, guards his house, his possessions are safe." (Luke 11:21)

10-01-2009, 03:54 PM	#15
Palladin8 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 2,523	Well just don't do what one of my old coworkers did with his beagle that became gun shy. He got fed up with it not hunting so he shot it and went to find another one. I was beside myself just listening to him tell the story as it was no big deal.

10-01-2009, 04:11 PM	#16
WannaBeGunsmith Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: San Antonio Texas Posts: 101	I could never shoot little Bonnie. I have a hard time spanking her, I make my girlfriend do it most of the time hahaha I'm screwed if I ever have little girls. __________________ "When a strong man, FULLY ARMED, guards his house, his possessions are safe." (Luke 11:21)

10-03-2009, 09:01 PM	#18
tappedandtagged Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Southwest Arkansas Posts: 853 Blog Entries: 1	I used one on my dog that looked just like Bonnie. She was some sort of lab mix as well. It never harmed her. But if you're still reluctant, try the under the belly leash dill. Hard to explain, but I'll try. Take the leash and loop the handle part under her belly as far back as you can get. Then loop it through the on top of her back. When she pulls, it'll put pressure on her stomach. Boy's really hate it since it puts pressure on their baby maker, but it still works on females. No harm, just uncomfortable. Thats what I do for my little squirrel dog. The big dog used to get the spiked collar. But he's since learned not to pull, so it's just sitting around doing nothing. (oh, and the lab mix I had ran away and I'm pretty sure, someone picked her up. Just home she has a good home.)

10-15-2009, 07:58 PM	#20
dman24 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: North Carolina Posts: 236	I have to agree with the get another. But also keep your mutt. The animal shelters across the country are already full as it is. Sounds like you have a good companion, just not a hunting partner. I to am in your situation. I got two walker coonhounds that are gun shy. I love my dogs though. Even if you can't take her hunting she will still be your friend till the end.