Thread: Gun shy

I'd also like to add, "the dog will get used to it" just is a silly way to think of things. I saw a guy at the Taupo NZDA range with a foxy puppy right behind his gun while he was shooting and she was absolutely petrified. He told me he was getting her used to it. What he really was doing was traumatising the dog and continually setting it up to fail. Probably to the point that I am sure the dog will eventually be running for cover as soon as she sees the keys for the gun safe appear.

It's about slow steps when it comes to fear and reactivity. Hard to explain on here but try getting the gun out and every time she looks at it, feed a treat straight to her mouth. The sight of the gun will then be the predictor of good stuff and will change the dog's emotional response to it. You can slowly build up to maybe knocking on the wall, then feeding a treat straight to her mouth the moment after. This will change her emotional response to the noise and soon if she's hears a knock or bang, she'll be excited and looking to you for 'good stuff' (could be a treat, pats, or you can train her to enjoy the hunt so that it is a self rewarding behaviour to be out with dad.)


Good luck Jord

Originally Posted by Dougie

I'd also like to add, "the dog will get used to it" just is a silly way to think of things. I saw a guy at the Taupo NZDA range with a foxy puppy right behind his gun while he was shooting and she was absolutely petrified. He told me he was getting her used to it. What he really was doing was traumatising the dog and continually setting it up to fail. Probably to the point that I am sure the dog will eventually be running for cover as soon as she sees the keys for the gun safe appear.

It's about slow steps when it comes to fear and reactivity. Hard to explain on here but try getting the gun out and every time she looks at it, feed a treat straight to her mouth. The sight of the gun will then be the predictor of good stuff and will change the dog's emotional response to it. You can slowly build up to maybe knocking on the wall, then feeding a treat straight to her mouth the moment after. This will change her emotional response to the noise and soon if she's hears a knock or bang, she'll be excited and looking to you for 'good stuff' (could be a treat, pats, or you can train her to enjoy the hunt so that it is a self rewarding behaviour to be out with dad.)


Good luck Jord

Great info guys. Thanks for that - will pass it on to affected dogs owner (flat mate!)

She's fine with other loud noises, just gun fire, I'm sure YouTube and the stereo will come into play nicely. Will use small steps.

A great help all, cheers.


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my two cents, it's common for collies/heading dogs to be this way with gun shots, they require extra care when introducing the gun.
if it was a mild case and with a more bomb proof breed a bit of conditioning can work........ in this instance the dog requires the services of a proper trainer and even then the chances of fixing gun shyness can be slim..... flick GDT / RUFF A PM.