<P>I took my 1 year old chocolate labrador out last night to work on her retrieving while incorporating a gun shot. When she was a puppy she had no problems with gun shots, but this past forth of July really messed her up. We started out using a .22 rifle. I had her sit and stay, threw the bumper, and my dad would shoot. Then I would release her. She seemed a little curious of what the shot was, but did what she was supposed to do. After about 10 shots with the .22, we switched to my 12 gauge. We did exactly as before. When the shot went off, she didn't wait for my command. She charged after the bumper. She retrieved it and then wouldn't return to me. She headed for the truck. I cut her off and brought her back. We repeated several times with the same result. It got worse as we proceeded. She wouldn't even come near the area that the gun was being fired from. All she wanted to do was get the hell away from that gun! I NEED HELP!!! IS SHE TO FAR GONE TO BREAK HER OF BEING GUN SHY? IF NOT HOW DO I BREAK HER? ANY HELP IS GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!</P>
What happened over the 4th of July? <br> How close was your dad to your dog when he was shooting?<br> Is this the first you have done this with your dog since July 4?<br> <br>
<P>We watched a fireworks display on the 4th of July. She was terrified. She stayed in our camper and shook frantically with an increases heart rate. The fireworks were going off more than 300 yards away. Ever since then, she has been afraid of thunderstorms - they never bothered her before. My dad was about 20 yards away when he shot. This is the first time we have done this with her. Her natural instinct to retrieve seemed to overpower her fright. She took off after the bumper as soon as the shot went off, but wouldn't come near the gun or to the area I started her from.</P>
I would get her to Jim Beverly ASAP. Until then, my advice to you is to not shoot anywhere near her. Don't even get a gun out in her presence. During storms do not coddle/comfort her, but do not be harsh with her either. Just act like nothing abnormal is happening, and be upbeat. Good luck and let us know how it goes. <br>
<P>get that dog to Jim Beverly asap and as Orion said don't fire another gun near her. Jim deals with these problems effectively. I have 2 dogs at Jim's right now and he does a great job.</P>
