Question: Is there a cure for gun shy dogs?

Toni R., Allen Park.

Answer: Sometimes. I don't think there is a cure for every case. First, it needs to be determined if the dog is truly gun shy, normally a man-made condition, or simply noise-sensitive. Some dogs don't like loud noises and need to be conditioned to them. Some dogs have been improperly introduced to gunfire and were scared by the exposure. Some dogs are afraid of storms or fire crackers and then mistakenly labeled ‘gun shy.'

The bottom line with either case is, does the dog have desire for game? If so, it has a chance at recovery. My four-year-old Chessie was noise-sensitive as a pup. Even the sound of a 22 caliber blank gun would scare him. It took months of exposure to game before his desire for game overcame his fear of noises. First, peak the dog's desire for game with no rules. Allow it to chase and catch birds for a while. It make take weeks or even months. Once it's pumped for birds, start introducing noise after the flush and while the dog is chasing. I use a .410 shotgun and I only shoot once per session, in the beginning. Your timing and ability to under the dog's reactions are critical. Most times, this is better off left to a professional.

Charlie Linblade

Mighigan Wing Shooters Hunt Club

Michigan Pheasant Hunting

Michigan Bird Dog Training