Dog Care/Training/Gun Training

Training a dog to work with a gun means getting it to the state known as gun broken, that is, when it is accustomed to gunfire. For most dogs, this is done in a procedural way where the dog is introduced to game or birds and gunfire at the same time.

Common method of training

1. The dog, constrained by a long check cord, is introduced to a clipped wing bird that is easy to catch
2. Upon the dog catching the bird, a starter pistol or similar weapon is fired in the distance (50-100 yards/metres)
3. This process is repeated slowly bringing the distance of the gun fire closer to the dog.
4. Upon the dog ignoring the shot, a new weapon is introduced.
5. The same process (steps 1-4) is repeated using a .410 shotgun, then up to a 20 gauge shotgun, and finally a 12 gauge shotgun.

This process associates the exciting activity of the game and gunfire. When gunfire happens, the dog expects the game. When game is found, the dog expects gunfire. Common mistakes include exposing the dog to gunfire too early and too suddenly.