Introducing Your Bird Dog to Gunfire

Proper Gunfire Training Can Prevent Gun-shyness - This is How We Do It

Once a dog’s prey drive is at a pinnacle and they are focused and intent on finding game when in the field, we are comfortable to introduce gunfire. At this stage, we are working with pigeons, because they are more predictable flyers and will fly completely off the training field. We typically plant birds in launchers (so that we have complete control of the timing) and make sure to have a bag of “flyers” (extra birds to flush when needed) handy. We allow the dog to establish point. When the dog breaks point and moves in to flush, we remotely launch the bird from the launcher. As the dog chases the bird across the field - focused and fully engaged - we fire a single shot from a .22 crimp blank gun.

With properly prepared dogs, we rarely see one that is sensitive to gunfire. However, we always pay attention to any subtle response from the dog to the gunfire. A momentary glance, a flinch, or even quitting the chase are indicators that the dog was negatively impacted by the sound. Should any of this happen, we are ready with another pigeon in hand to fly in front of that dog (aka a “flyer”). If the dog’s prey drive is at a pinnacle, any negative connotation the dog may have initially felt in connection with the sound of the gun can be overcome with the positive, fun interaction with the flying bird. If a dog loves to retrieve, then we can alternatively throw a dead bird for a retrieve after the gunfire. This goal is to reshape any negative association with the loud sound and turn it in to a positive association by focusing on the fun of the chase and/or the retrieve.

We have a couple of large fenced in areas where we can also turn multiple dogs loose while doing this exercise. When dogs are joined up in a cohesive pack, the other dogs enthusiastically chasing can help reticent dogs to engage. The “pack mentality” is a powerful thing and can be a tool to help weaker dogs adjust to new things.

As we continue in our daily bird workouts, we will gradually decrease the amount of distance between us and the dog when we shoot. After many successful workouts, we can confidently move up to a .209 blank pistol and continue with our training, culminating with shooting birds with a shogun.

Confident Dogs are Less Likely to Have Gun Issues

Proper socialization minimizes the chance of having a sound sensitive dog. By following the Smith Method leading up to the introduction of the gun, your dog should be confident and resilient enough that a loud sound in general is not alarming. If your dog is inherently sound sensitive, you will likely already know it, and have been working with the issue since puppyhood and be better prepared. We encourage people to never shoot around a dog to “see whether it is gun shy,” instead we encourage people to prepare first and set their dog up for success each step of the way.

True sound sensitivity rarely goes away, instead it is a mindset/trait that is managed for life. Sound sensitivity is overcome through focus on game and desensitization. It is often wise to plan to “re-introduce” sound sensitive dogs to gunfire prior to every hunting season to reestablish their tolerance before heading to a hunt.

When a sound sensitive dog comes in for training at Smith Kennels, we like to train that dog to stand steady to flush and release on the shot. The shot becomes the cue to release to retrieve. This creates a positive association with the sound, shifting the dog’s mindset to be eager to hear the shot.

Just because a dog has been shot over in the past does not mean they are impervious to the noise for life. Always watch your dog’s behavior around guns to make sure no negative connotation has developed. A few bad experiences can linger in a dog’s mind.

We recommend treating every dog as if they are sensitive to sound. Intentionally build resilience, confidence, and tolerance—not just during training, but in day-to-day life. Dogs developed and handled with this kind of intentional care are much less likely to develop issues with gunfire.

*This text was a resource for the Upland Disciple Podcast Summer Shorts featuring The Smith Method of Bird Dog Training, Hickcox Method, The Method, and Perfection Kennels.