| NickScot |
| (member) |
| 23/10/2007 13:24 |
Gun Shy
|
I got my 2 year old lab nearly 1 year ago, he is showing great promise in training on all manner of retrieves, but is gun-shy! Because I have only had him for a year I do not know the source of the problem.
I have read alot about the problem and there are 2 schools of thought - it is either cureable or not!
Does anyone know of any solutions, I have seen de-sensitisation cd's but am sceptical and have been recommended a dog behaviourist but wonder if there is a simpler/chearper solution?
Any help gratefully received!
| woody |
| (member) |
| 15/01/2008 21:48 |
|
Re: Gun Shy
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Try to assosiate shot with pleasure i.e feeding time, exercise time, play time etc. Keep the shot muffled or distant in the begining then once he/she shows possitive signs very gradually increase the intensity of the shot. Failing that im sure he/she will make a great pet.
| SimonRees |
| (member) |
| 28/10/2008 22:53 |
Re: Gun Shy
|
I had a similar problem with a youg springer who was very timid, I started her off with a starter pistol, I'd hold her with a collar, fire the pistol and throw dummy, then send her to retrieve it, It took a while but I eventually moved onto a dummy launcher which is much louder, after a few months work she is totally steady. She simply learned that the loud bang meant something fun, ie a retrieve. Good luck and let us know how you get on