Stillmotion Kennels: Loud Noises

Loud Noises@Stillmotion Kennels™:

Introduction to guns

The photo at right is of labrador retriever Ben (Can. Ch.Timberline Big Ben At Fawnhaven SH), Junior Hunter, and his owner, Barbara Ironside. One of the issues we have never had to face with Ben is an aversion to noise, or a fear of being shot over.

Any dog who has been properly introduced to a gun and birds is in a position to grow up with the same excitement toward gun shots that Ben exhibits. Barb has laid the foundation for Ben's continued progress toward Master Hunter, and will also be competing in the conformation ring. We are extremely optimistic about his prospects in part because of his appropriate early exposure to birds and guns.

Without this exposure for your own dog, it's possible you will come to believe you are the owner of a gun-shy dog. This could not be farther from the truth. You are the owner of a dog who has not been properly introduced to the gun.

When you enroll your puppy and/or dog in our training programs, we will introduce them to noises in the course of their work. We do this in a way that will not make them fearful. At a later stage, if your puppy has not been with us for Headstart, we can often work with dogs who have been improperly introduced to being shot over.