Member

Posts: 13
From:ADDISON, NY, 14801
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 11-24-2003 06:51 AM         

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I have a 2yr old pit who absolutely hates guns. My boyfriend and his family do alot of hunting and target practicing. When my Willie hears a gunshot he starts shaking and quivering. He will even hide in the bathtub or under the covers on my bed. Does any one have any ideas in getting him so he isn't so afraid of guns and firing of them?

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Posts: 95
From:lewisville, texas, united states
Registered: Oct 2003

posted 11-24-2003 06:54 AM         

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sorry, but i have had that same problem. my dog was also afraid of gunshots. he was afraid of thunder too. but thats just because he thought it was gun shots. we couldn't ever figure out a way to help him adjust to it.

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Posts: 13
From:ADDISON, NY, 14801
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 11-24-2003 07:01 AM         

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It's weird because my boyfriend's parents pit is a female and she will sit right next to them when shooting. Willie hates anything that makes noise, it seems. He will chase the pushmower and pick the whole thing up with his teeth, so I have to put him in the house while I mow the lawn. Hair dryers and vacuums he also attacks until I shut them off.

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Posts: 95
From:lewisville, texas, united states
Registered: Oct 2003

posted 11-24-2003 09:55 AM         

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how funny!! he attacks the vacum maybe he had a bad experience when he was a pup. maybe they make little doggie ear pluggs? i don't think that there is a way to 'adjust' them to loud noises. i think that some dogs are just scared and some aren't. thats just my opinion though. best of luck to you.

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Posts: 166
From:Dallas, Texas
Registered: Jul 2003

posted 11-24-2003 11:19 AM         

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There is one way I have heard of... Record teh sound onto a tape player, computer, whatever, and start it very soft, and gradually get it louder and louder, till it is full blast! Do this while giving them a treat, or feeding them, playing with them, during something they enjoy! And don't tell them that it is all ok, and act like something really is wrong, because then they will start to freak out, thinking, "Oh my gosh! Something awful must be happening!"

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Posts: 353
From:
Registered: Mar 2003

posted 11-24-2003 11:19 AM         

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I've never had to deal with a gunshy dog (of course, only two of them have ever heard gunshots nearby, and it's not a regular thing for themso that could be why), but I would imagine you could deal with it the same way you would any other noise that was scaring a dog. If you can get him all excited and into a game before they start shooting, then continue it while they do it, that will help to ease his fears and start the connection that gunshot sounds = fun. Once he's playing happily while shots are fired, you can start weaning him off of the play, and he should be ok. If he doesn't like toys, you can substitute food instead, having "open bar" (you just keep handing them out) on treats while they shoot.

Another option, is to work him in obedience while they're shooting, starting inside the house, where the sound will be muffled, then going outside, but far away, then moving closer as he becomes acustomed to the sound.

It's possible too that he'll never get used to the sound. Some dogs have more sensitive hearing than others, just as people do. In that case, you might try putting a wad of cotton in his ear when you go out, to muffle the sound.

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Posts: 13
From:ADDISON, NY, 14801
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 11-24-2003 12:19 PM         

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Hey thanks for the advice. I will have to give it a try (playing/treats). He is a mama's boy so I think we can work through this. I always feel so bad when he goes into the shakes.
And yes he hates the vacuum. He will chase me around and grab it with his teeth and try taking off with it. It is pretty funny. The lawnmower on the other hand, was funny the first time he did it but he could chop his feet off or something and I can't let anything happen to him so he has to stay in the house now!!
Thanks again for all the advice. If I don't get back on the site before...........
Happy Thanksgiving.

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Posts: 29
From:Perth, Western Australia
Registered: May 2003

posted 11-24-2003 08:04 PM         

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i hate guns as well as your dog.

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Posts: 29
From:Perth, Western Australia
Registered: May 2003

posted 11-24-2003 08:04 PM         

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that didnt come out right. let me rephrase that haha. i hate guns as well as your dog hating guns.

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Posts: 95
From:lewisville, texas, united states
Registered: Oct 2003

posted 11-25-2003 07:13 AM         

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i found that comment unnecessary, no one was asking how you felt about guns, they were trying to figure out how to adjust their dog to the loud noise they make. in the future will you please keep things like that to yourself. thanks chap

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Posts: 8
From:Boynton Bch, Fl, USA
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 11-25-2003 09:03 AM         

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I had taken in a 2 yr old pit for awhile who hated ALL loud noises from gunshots to the vaccuum,thunder storms, to fireworks. The only way I could get him to come around was to take him with me everywhere. He was like a little kid. When the guys would go out back to practice I would take him and we would lay out on a blanket along with his favorite rope and a few special treats and just before they would start shooting I would give him a treat and rub his head and keep his attention focused on me. Once he got used to that we started getting up and playing still far away. He finally got used to the sound being there and would eventually go out with my husband and lay at his feet while they were shooting. The vaccuum was the same way...he would have to lay on the counch with my oldest daughter for weeks every time I ran the sweeper, until one day he just got down and went and got a drink without flipping out. The only thing I can offer is to BE PATIENT and make sure that you comfort them and make them feel safe so they dont feel threatened by the loud noise.

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Posts: 13
From:ADDISON, NY, 14801
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 11-25-2003 09:48 AM         

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Thanks benny boy .... that was an unnecessary statement to make.

Thanks Chynadoll..... I think there is hope for him & I yet! I will work on that.... sitting outside with him while they shoot. This idea just may help my Willie out.

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Posts: 17
From:royal oak, mi, usa
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 11-25-2003 09:58 AM         

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‘Rescue Remedy’ works well for nervous dogs, (and people) you can find it in health food stores, and some pet stores carry it as well. Give a few drops to your dog the next time you know you will be around shooting, or are in a thunderstorm.

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