Gun training and hearing protection for dogs?

[PaladinX13]

My family's never owned a dog but we're possibly about to get a labrador from a friend of a friend. I shoot on my own property and I know, occasionally, when I shoot I can hear dogs in the distance barking (usually only if I'm on the edge of my property). If I have a dog, is there any way to train it to not bark like crazy at the sound of a gunshot? And should I try to find a way to protect the dog's hearing if it's around? Since dogs have better hearing, how far do they have to be/how much protection is necessary for it not to be an issue?

Right now, I pretty much shoot whenever I want as long as the weather's good and no one's sleeping in the house. Will I have to co-ordinate having the dog walked away or locked in the basement in the future? Obviously, the dog's safety, health, etc. come first, but I'd like to know....

 

[MobileSuitPilotX]

Great question

I'll be interested in the wisdom of others on this topic. I have a GSD that is 5 1/2 mo. old and was thinking of asking a question along the same lines.

BTW, Hi everybody! Long-time lurker, first time poster here, but I'm a regular on packing.org. Greetings and best wishes to all. Stay safe.
Justin

 

[Iain]

I read this a while ago, my dog was pretty scared of anything that made a metallic clanging noise, saucepan lids etc. Seems to have worked.

The process of desensitizing an animal to loud noises is similar to that used by hunters. Gun dogs are usually introduced to cap guns and loud hand claps as puppies. As the animal grows, the magnitude of the noise is gradually increased. Soon Fido can handle the blast of a shotgun at close range. Pet owners can start by softly banging pots and pans together and escalate the noise gradually. Soon your dog will not be traumatized by loud noise

Rest of article

 

[TheOtherOne]

The first time I took my dog shooting I started with the .22. It didn't bother her at all. She was too interested exploring a new area to care about a little noise. I shot a 9mm next and that also didn't cause her any distress. When I fired the AK-47 though, she did jump back and stay away for a minute but she got use to it quick and was soon back to her usual playful self.

One thing I heard you should do is make loud noises when they are doing things they like. Stomp and clap when they are in the middle of eating. Make loud sudden noises when you are playing fetch or whatever else the dog really enjoys.

 

[PaladinX13]

Someone sent me a similar article for dogs with a fear of thunder. The article warns that if desensitizing a dog is done wrong you can end up making them neurotic.

That covers the reaction part, but what about damage?

 

[Smoke]

2 of my dogs couldn't care less if a gun goes off anywhere near them. One will see a gun and go hide. (yes, she recognizes both long guns and handguns)

I haven't taught my dogs anything regarding guns or "Desinsitized" them.

They just go with me all the time and guns do too. I can go to the range, the old dog will find a shady spot near the truck and go to sleep, the young one will roam the creek until he hears the truck fire up.

I would believe that hearing loss is a real concern. My dogs rarely stay right by the muzzle but seem content to be 20-30ft away.

Smoke

 

[tbotts]

I cant comment on any damage done to a dog, but here is a good way to introduce your dog to gunshots and not have them scared of the noise:

take your dog for a walk in the woods/fields where you can shoot, when your dog gets in front/behind you a little distance, shoot your gun, don't look directly at your dog, just observe your dog out of the corner of your eye, and act nonchalantly(very important). Your dog will come to realize that that sound is not something to be scared of. Eventually, you will be able to shoot with your dog right next to you.
I started with 22 blanks, then went to actual 22 rounds, and am now using 12 gauge poppers(blanks).
My 14 week old lab is not at all gun shy and will be right next to me when I shoot.
I think if you do this, you will not have to worry about locking your dog up in the celler while you shoot, unless he/she runs down to your target to find what you shot!!

 

[Havegunjoe]

Start off soft.

Try to associate a loud noise like banging two pots together with feeding time, or play time. I've also started off with a cap gun, gone to a starter pistol, .410, 20 ga. then 12ga. Work your way up the noise ladder. My dog, a choc. lab, associates me bringing out a gun with hunting, and fun.