How to Choose a Gun Dog
If you want a dog to take hunting with you, she will have to be cool around gunfire. It's natural for a dog to be startled by loud noises, but some breeds have a calmer temperament than others, which can make them steady hunting companions. But even within breeds, each dog is different. Before you shop for a gun dog, you have to know what qualities to look for.
Things You'll Need
- Compendium of dog breeds
- Computer with an Internet connection
- Starter pistol
Instructions
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Breeds & Breeding
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Look through your dog book to make sure the breed you are considering has been bred for the purpose you intend. Some dogs instinctively point at prey to show a hunter where to shoot (e.g., pointers). Other dogs are bred to retrieve an animal that has already been shot (e.g., retrievers). Some dogs are used to track down scents, whether that of a raccoon or of an escaped convict (e.g., coon hounds and bloodhounds). And still other dogs are bred for protection and security work (e.g., German shepherds and Doberman pinschers). These breeds of dogs need to be able to work well around gunfire, and a good dog breed book will describe the purposes, strengths and weaknesses of each breed.
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Go online to look for champion breeders once you have decided what breed of dog you want. Use one of the resources listed below for your search, or go to a search engine and type in the name of the breed and the words "champion," "breeding" and "gun."
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Purchase your dog from a reputable breeder. One of the biggest mistakes owners make is thinking they can select the right gun dog from its temperament as a puppy. Just because a puppy acts fearless and aggressive around you does not mean it won't cower and panic around gunfire. The odds of getting a good gun dog increase if you get a puppy whose parents are champion gun dogs. So check the pedigree of the puppy and beware of any breeder who can't produce records.
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When you visit the breeder, shoot a starter pistol forty or fifty yards away from the puppy, if the breeder will allow you to do so. This will tell you immediately what the puppy's nerves are like.
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Start training your puppy the moment you bring her home. Even very young dogs can learn basic obedience skills. This early training builds a strong bond between you and the animal. She will be more likely to trust you when you introduce her to gunfire.
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Tips & Warnings
As soon as you can, get your puppy to accompany adult gun dogs at their tasks. The best way for canines to learn is to follow the good example of other dogs.
Do not punish a dog for being scared of gunfire. If the animal is not suited for tasks that require gunfire, either find something else for her to do or, as a last resort, find her a good new home.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Photo by Micah Rubenstein
