Help training a gundog on the noise of the shotgun

Hammerhead · #1 07-12-2014, 09:35 PM

I am looking for some advice on what to use to train my retriever to the sound of my shotgun. I know that there are lots of tools out there for this, but since a starter pistol runs in around $200 and a box of 25 shotgun blanks are over $50 I'm looking for some cheaper solutions. He's already use to the loud, sharp noises as I've done the clapping thing and I have a cap gun that I shoot off around him on a regular basis which doesn't seem to bother him. I would be more than happy using the shotgun to do it, but the only problem is that I don't have anywhere close where I can discharge projectiles from a gun. Has anyone loaded primers into shells and just used those, or possibly put a little powder into a shell maybe?
Any direction would be appreciated.

colroggal · #2 07-12-2014, 10:10 PM

My uncle used to train his dogs with home made blanks - primer , maybe a grain and change of slow burning powder like traiboss, a wad of toilet paper and wax to cap it. He would randomly discharge and toss a toy soaked in broth. He claimed great success but I never did hunt with him.

Personally I would use cigarette paper instead of t.p. because t.p. smolders in the grass.

He's passed on now so I can't get any more details. Sorry.

Colin.

Pixel Shooter · #3 07-12-2014, 10:35 PM

This is not about sound conditioning, its about your dog linking gun fire to a retrieve, so every time he here's a shot, he is looking for the mark. Its not about conditioning to large sounds, big difference here. See your in Edmonton, if you want a hand, send me a PM. Should be done at longer distances and work your way closer to handler each retrieve to the point you can fire along next when mark thrown and he is so focused on the retrieve, he is oblivious to the sound. after that, every gun shot, game on

Very important intro is done right cause its very difficult to over come a dog that is gunshy. Doesn't happen very often but it does happen

cap gun/ I prefer the starter pistol. Bass Pro had them for $99
We call them poppers, load the primer in the shell, works great, but gets people excited carrying a firearm around lol

M.C. Gusto · #4 07-13-2014, 07:32 AM

pixel has the right technique. if you want to use my starter for the day training let me know. its shotgun primers (209) and will be plenty loud for the next step after 22s

densa44 · #5 07-13-2014, 07:42 AM

I'm with pixel, it is about the retrieve not the sound. I wouldn't worry too much about how load it is either. I use a dummy launcher with ram sets to train my pudelpointers. The get it right away.

The gun shy worry, I've never seen a gun shy dog, now hanging around field trials is not a good place to look for a gun shy dog I suppose, but it must be pretty rare.

If the dog shows no signs of gun shyness just go with Pixel's advice IMO.

Winch101 · #6 07-13-2014, 08:03 AM

I got this tip from Delmar Smith maybe 40 yrs ago ,right from the gitgo
When he's eating ,tin plate on the floor ,after a few times he doesn't
Even look up ....associates noise with good things ....sounds silly but
Training 24/7 .

elkhunter1234 · #7 07-13-2014, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Winch101

I got this tip from Delmar Smith maybe 40 yrs ago ,right from the gitgo
When he's eating ,tin plate on the floor ,after a few times he doesn't
Even look up ....associates noise with good things ....sounds silly but
Training 24/7 .

Some good advice.... I like to get a cheep kids cap guns from the dollor store. The kind that have 25 or so caps in a red plastic ring, and blast off a ring when the pups are eating. I start when the pups are old enough to get weind for there mom.

Jim..

Speckler · #8 07-14-2014, 04:30 PM

Willow Creek Kennels on Youtube!

Here is a link to gun training.

Enjoy

robson3954 · #9 07-15-2014, 04:08 PM

Super easy with my GSP. If the dog is keyed in on something good (birds) most won't flinch. I had my wife hold a bird on a string, had him point, released the bird, then I would shoot. Started at 100yards pointing the gun away and could shoot right over him within 10 shots. Never even cocked an ear. Soon the sound of gunfire will just make your dog double his birding efforts.

lgard · #10 07-15-2014, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hammerhead

I am looking for some advice on what to use to train my retriever to the sound of my shotgun. I know that there are lots of tools out there for this, but since a starter pistol runs in around $200 and a box of 25 shotgun blanks are over $50 I'm looking for some cheaper solutions. He's already use to the loud, sharp noises as I've done the clapping thing and I have a cap gun that I shoot off around him on a regular basis which doesn't seem to bother him. I would be more than happy using the shotgun to do it, but the only problem is that I don't have anywhere close where I can discharge projectiles from a gun. Has anyone loaded primers into shells and just used those, or possibly put a little powder into a shell maybe?
Any direction would be appreciated.

http://rrtlauncher.com/

Cabelas and Basspro sell a knock off made by dt training systems.

And YES they are legal to use in Canada LOL been certified by RCMP not considered a firearm has no barrel.

21 Gun Salute · #11 07-16-2014, 06:54 AM

I went to a training seminar hosted by a Pro trainer Ben Garcia, he has a fantastic system for gun training among other things.
http://www.dogsunlimited.com/i/452/h...irst-steps.htm

Hammerhead · #12 07-17-2014, 09:54 AM

Thanks for all the advice guys. Pixel Shooter, I would certainly appreciate any assistance/advice you can give. I'm pretty new at this whole thing. I also should have mentioned that I have been introducing these sounds during the retrieve, mostly once he's running. Haven't really gotten to doing it to key him into the retrieve yet.

Okotokian · #13 07-17-2014, 10:01 AM

There are a myriad of articles on the right approach. All generally boil down to "ease the dog into it gradually over time". Good advice.

Personally, I only used my shotgun I hunt with. I just started shooting it when my dog was quite a distance away, so it wasn't loud and didn't startle him. He looked over as if to say "what's going on?" He then started out towards me. I had him stay at various points on his approach as I shot more. Whole thing took perhaps 5 minutes. Perhaps that is not representative of the average dog. I don't know.

The only reaction he has to shots now is when I miss. He cries. LOL

7mm08 · #14 07-17-2014, 07:05 PM

I used to take my pups to the shotgun range on skeet or trap days. Staying off to the side. playing a little game of fetch...making them comfortable with the noise, and associating it with retrieving. With the really skittish ones I would begin way out...so the noise was just background noise. Then gradually move up over the days or weeks.
Seemed to work for me

Pixel Shooter · #15 07-17-2014, 07:10 PM

Shoot me a pm and we can make a time and a place.........

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hammerhead

Thanks for all the advice guys. Pixel Shooter, I would certainly appreciate any assistance/advice you can give. I'm pretty new at this whole thing. I also should have mentioned that I have been introducing these sounds during the retrieve, mostly once he's running. Haven't really gotten to doing it to key him into the retrieve yet.