How to Retrain a Gun-Shy Dog

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By 1stSgtPinkerton
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As an avid bird hunter, I've trained many Springers, Brittany, Chesapeake and Labs. I've seen a lot of gun-shy dogs and have retrained many of them. This is how. (Please rate with stars above)

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

2 Packages of hot-dogs cut into 1/2" slices.
Small caliber gun with blanks.
A buddy.
Your dog.
A 10' tether line.
A rubber training dummy or dog's favorite toy.

Step 1

Have your buddy that the dog knows and loves, take the dog out 200 yds. and play with him, playing fetch. evrytime the dog brings the dummy back, have your uddy give him ONE slice of hotdog.
Step 2

After 15 minutes of this, Have your buddy tie the line to your dog. Fire a shot into the ground behind you. If the dog bolts, have your buddy coax him in, using the dummy and hotdog for a rewad for coming in.
Step 3

Fire again. Continue until your dog no longer bolts. When your dog no longer bolts, have your buddy play with him for 3 minutes, then walk toward you 10 yds. and play again for 3 minutes.
Step 4

Repeat this process slowly and with patience, moving th dog in closer and closer. When the dog is within range of your voice, talk to him in the same voice you use to feed him and play with him.

Tips & Warnings

A 22 cal. pistol with blanks works best. You can increase the caliber, thus increasing the decibles, at a later training date.
When your dog bolts, rework him at that length, do not progress or force him to come in closer, he has to want to in order to receive his reward.
Handling a firearm is dangerous, follow proper gun safety guidlines.
Do not become impatient with your dog, one show of frustration and you will have lost all training for a week.
Do not rush this process, set aside 2 hours for this fun/training.