FREE Dog Training Tips: Fall Season and Hunting For a Calm Dog

Pets Articles | November 4, 2011

It's Fall - the hunt is on! Where is your dog when the loud gunshots blast? Tips for keeping the reactionary dog safe and sound.

It’s Fall – the hunt is on! The woods and fields are full of foraging creatures getting ready to hunker down for colder days. Where there are bears, deer, coons, quail, geese, pheasants—there are likely to be loud gunshots. You may notice a dog’s frightened reaction to the unexpected, unpredictable sound of rifle fire.

Even hunting dogs may shy away, run from or toward people. In some situations, fear can cause them to jump on people, attack other dogs or shut down completely.

Non-hunting dogs instinctively respond to the powerful, loud shots too. They go into “security” mode and try to protect owners and property. And some confused canines go into fight or flight response.

Here are some tips for use during hunting season:

First, observe how your dog(s) react to the sounds of gunshots.

Post no trespassing and no hunting signs on the edges of your property to move shotgun blasts to a distance.

Restrain dogs that run off. Crating, penning, or house containment will keep your dog home, and he won’t get lost in a fearful run. Add music or TV background noise to cover other harsher sounds.

Protective or curious dogs should be contained to prevent them from taking off in the direction of the hunters where they may encounter the danger of getting shot themselves or attacked by the hunting dogs.

If you are on a hunt with your dog and his actions create danger for himself or others, either tether him to you or secure him in the vehicle. Be mindful of the destructive dog being left in your vehicle or home. Dogs can cause serious damage to themselves and their surroundings.

Use Rescue Remedy to calm your dog. Two good methods are applying to dog’s cheeks, chin and neck to be inhaled or add to dog’s water for continuous calming. Small dogs get 1-2 drops and large dogs get 7-8 drops. When using in water bowl a larger amount of drops are used in relation to amount of water. Put drops in bowl then add water to blend together. You can see the calming results in 15-20 minutes. Use more or less depending on your dog’s response. Rescue Remedy is a natural calming flower essence available at health food stores

The steps above can offer help in reducing or eliminating problem behavior in a dog in regards to gunshots. However it is suggested that you address the root of the problem by counter-conditioning your dog to be relaxed and calm. Excellent training with gunshot sounds can be done on your own over time and with patience. (Check out Angel Dog’s Sound Socialization: http://angeldoginc.com/Products.html or http://www.dogwise.com/itemdetails.cfm?ID=DTB748)

Bringing down anxiety in your dog is beneficial to him and to the whole family. Wishing you and your dog a happy fall season.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

O’Neal Scott is a premier professional dog trainer in Atlanta, GA. Considered a “miracle worker” by clients, vets, groomers, and even other dog trainers, she has helped many human clients create loving and respectful relationships with even the most difficult-to-train dogs. She has a wealth of knowledge about dogs--check out her website for more dog information!