Introduction to Gunfire

Boscoe did great on Thursday, August 10, 2006. It was only his 2nd real introduction to gunfire. The first time out we shot my Marlin 17HMR without any retrieving. He's not a shy pup, he loves noise and loves to investigate the source. He did ok but we realized we really needed to put the gunfire together with the retrieving and use his desire to outweigh the potential scariness of the noise. So we took him out with a 22 and dead pigeon. The first couple of times he would look at the gun as he started to run (no steadying really going on during this) but then continue on his way. After several throws he was ignoring the 22. We kept at it and moved the gunshot in as he felt more comfortable. After a bit he was fine with the 22 right next to him.

So we put him up in the truck and brought out his big brother, Ranger (2 year old yellow male). We decided to use the 20ga. with Ranger as he has no gunshyness. The very first time he heard gunfire it was about 4 or 5 shotguns all going off while we were shooting trap. Well, someone (me) forgot to roll the window all the way up. The very first throw for Ranger (working on steadying him as well - we're getting back into working on his training) I was still holding him and I see this little black furball shoot past us and pick up the pigeon. It was a great reaction to Boscoe's first hearing the 20ga. Needless to say though, I made sure he couldn't jump out next time.

Ranger did great, he needs work on his recall (read e-collar!!) but he's a great dog. Just needs polishing. We basically did the same process working the gun closer slowly with Ranger. Then we put him up and brought Boscoe back to work on the 20ga. He did awesome!! He wasn't even looking at the gun like he first did with the 22. Loves the pigeons. We worked the 20ga. in closer slowly and he was fine with it right next to him by the end of the session.

He was getting tired so we let him rest...or so we thought. Travis wanted to shoot again and when he did, Boscoe shot out like a rocket from under the truck looking for something to retrieve. It was cute, and a good reaction. He was looking around for awhile so I finally just threw the pigeon again so he wouldn't come up empty handed. He did this every time Travis shot. I'd rather have the drive there and have to tone it down than have to try to put it in him though. Overall, I was very impressed and proud of him. Travis was even getting into it and was proud of Boscoe...I'll get him into this game yet lol.

Look for more pictures soon. We'll be doing a live flyer sometime this weekend probably. It will be good for both dogs I think. Boscoe weighed in at 25 lbs. a few weeks ago and on this past Saturday he weighed in at only 28 lbs. We'll be talking to the vet about when to switch to high energy food...he's growing steadily so I'm not concerned about hips but I also don't want to push him into an unbalanced growth spurt. I trust the vet so we'll see what he recommends. Never had a picky eater, I've determined this little guy just likes to eat off the floor instead of out of the bowl. But usually he only eats one meal a day, or half of each meal, etc. Oh well, he'll reach his full potential in due time. I love that I can still pick him up if I need to. He's getting long, leggy, and lanky.

Thanks for sharing!