I need some lab help

WE have a lab that is a 1 yr and 3 months, she is a smart dog, last fall took her out in the field a couple of times and worked her, she works beutifully, perfect range and quarters back and forth with little input, very natural ability.

SHe is a retrieving machine, loves it, swims like a otter.

When we take off her leash on walks she quarters and ranges and listens well, she responds well to a whistle.

The problem is she is extremely noise shy, I have tried positive reinforcement by throwing a dummy and trying to incorparate a starting gun muffled in a towel at a distance, so it is very quiet, but she just loses it wont do anything after she hears it.

Of course now the 4th was here and that did not help matters, tried keep her indoors.

Any suggestions?

Our last lab had no issues with gun shots, she actually loved it.

Here are few tips that hopefully will help out. #1 when out on walks, start off by clapping you hands and continue on as nothing has happened. When she gets used to this increase the loudness, anything from a duck call to banging pot lids. Start off at a low noise level and increase as she gets used to it. Make noise at meal time. Whe she is eating, fire a cap gun. Do this a distance away at first. As she gets used to it, get closer until you can fire right over her. After that move up to a starter pistol. take her to a game farm or shooting range. start off a distance away and just walk her around. As she gets used to it, move closer. When they get used to the noise, if possible sit her down and watch clay targets being shot.
In the field, start with someone shooting when a bird is released or flys. This can be done with you throwing a bird. have the person shooting start off about 100 yds away. Close the distance as the dog relates the gunfire with the birds. You may have to start off with the starter pistol and then move up to a shotgun. I usually go from starter pistol, to 410 and then to 12 gauge.
When I do any one of these methods, I have no reaction. The dog will usually look back at the handler. If the handler goes about business like everything is noraml, the dog will start reacting the same way.

Here are few tips that hopefully will help out. #1 when out on walks, start off by clapping you hands and continue on as nothing has happened. When she gets used to this increase the loudness, anything from a duck call to banging pot lids. Start off at a low noise level and increase as she gets used to it. Make noise at meal time. Whe she is eating, fire a cap gun. Do this a distance away at first. As she gets used to it, get closer until you can fire right over her. After that move up to a starter pistol. take her to a game farm or shooting range. start off a distance away and just walk her around. As she gets used to it, move closer. When they get used to the noise, if possible sit her down and watch clay targets being shot.
In the field, start with someone shooting when a bird is released or flys. This can be done with you throwing a bird. have the person shooting start off about 100 yds away. Close the distance as the dog relates the gunfire with the birds. You may have to start off with the starter pistol and then move up to a shotgun. I usually go from starter pistol, to 410 and then to 12 gauge.
When I do any one of these methods, I have no reaction. The dog will usually look back at the handler. If the handler goes about business like everything is noraml, the dog will start reacting the same way.

I agree with Don, just want to add that something happened along the way to frighten her. Your job is to start slow and end up with her associating the loud noises (gunshot) with nothing but good things!
I also like to use treats to start. Don’t start with the loud noise right next to her.
Have someone help, and when you hear the noise, make something good happen (treat, throw a dummy, throw a bird, etc). Slowly get closer to the source of the sound and keep up the positive re-enforcement. If she shy’s away at all, increase the distance again.

Good Luck!
Bryan

I agree with Don, just want to add that something happened along the way to frighten her. Your job is to start slow and end up with her associating the loud noises (gunshot) with nothing but good things!
I also like to use treats to start. Don’t start with the loud noise right next to her.
Have someone help, and when you hear the noise, make something good happen (treat, throw a dummy, throw a bird, etc). Slowly get closer to the source of the sound and keep up the positive re-enforcement. If she shy’s away at all, increase the distance again.

Good Luck!
Bryan

Also becareful not to give the dog attention when it’s shys away from things, “Like the oh poor doggy it’s ok and rub it’s back” after it shys away from a loud noise that’s positive reinforment to the shy behaviour. Not to try and poke fun or anything, but women and children tend to do this the most. Most people don’t recognize that this “comforting” action only make a dog more insecure.

Not saying this is your issue, but I see people do it all the time with Dogs.

Ceasar (the dog whisperer (don’t ask why I’ve watched it ))would say cool, calm assertiveness….

Also becareful not to give the dog attention when it’s shys away from things, “Like the oh poor doggy it’s ok and rub it’s back” after it shys away from a loud noise that’s positive reinforment to the shy behaviour. Not to try and poke fun or anything, but women and children tend to do this the most. Most people don’t recognize that this “comforting” action only make a dog more insecure.

Not saying this is your issue, but I see people do it all the time with Dogs.

Ceasar (the dog whisperer (don’t ask why I’ve watched it ))would say cool, calm assertiveness….

I like the cap gun idea, the starter pistol is to loud for now.

Went for a walk around the lake this morning with the throwing dummy, she loves to retrieve, she paddles thru cr@p like a freight train.

I like the cap gun idea, the starter pistol is to loud for now.

Went for a walk around the lake this morning with the throwing dummy, she loves to retrieve, she paddles thru cr@p like a freight train.

I have nothing to add just thanking all you guys for good info…I’ve had 5 Labs and these guys are “RIGHT ON”. Thats what this website is all about!

I have nothing to add just thanking all you guys for good info…I’ve had 5 Labs and these guys are “RIGHT ON”. Thats what this website is all about!

Might try wiffle ball and bat retreiving. Makes a noise and ball needs brought back. I take the Weim out at approaching storms to fetch just so the noises do not bug her.

Might try wiffle ball and bat retreiving. Makes a noise and ball needs brought back. I take the Weim out at approaching storms to fetch just so the noises do not bug her.