Gun Dog Forum

I have a 3 month old weimaraner and I have noticed a couple of behaviors that have made me very nervous. A little background, I have contacted a professional trainer and he said that he wants me to work the dog on general obedience until she is 4 months old and then he would like me to bring her to his reserve to develop a training program. She has been doing a great job with her general obedience, however tonight she worried me a little. We were out in the yard and a lot of geese were in the yard behind ours. She was in the back of my lot when one of the geese decided to make a fuss and start flapping his wings at her. When this occurred the dog got scared and ran away. I have not introduced her to bird due to waiting to go to a professional trainer. Is this something that I should be worried about? Another thing that has worried me is over the 4th of July weekend she would not go out in the yard because of all the fireworks that people were shooting off. Does this mean anything? This is my first gun dog and my friends have told me that I am overreaching. Can you confirm this?

first off a little pup is going to be over whelmed by a hugh goose...
and many dogs do not like fire works

i wouldn't let the pup get exposed to any more geese

First welcome to the site. As far as your pup goes I wouldn't worry too much. Just try to not put her in those stressful situation till she grows up a little but if they happen just act normal and don't let the pup know there is anything to worry about. Given a chance it will be ok so enjoy and don't make raising a pup something to worry about. Birddogs are about like any other dog, just let them grow up and explore and later you will have a well adjusted pup ready for some serious training. And you will be happier too.

Ezzy

The goose thing is very normal, try to control things that might frighten the dog.

The fireworks are a whole different problem, can't control what others are doing but we can lessen the exposure. If the fireworks are going off, take the pup in the house or away from where they are shooting them.

I would be banging pans already with the pup from a distance while it is eating. That is just something I start as soon as I get a new pup.

Pepper

Thank you for taking the time to respond. I will keep her away from the geese and fireworks and stop worrying. I found this site last night and have found it to be very helpful due to members like yourselves. Thanks again, and look forward to talking to you all in the future.

Don't worry...I have a 7 year old Brittany who still tries to get under the bed when there's thunder....also, she hates fireworks....

But in the field, she's perfectly ok with gun shots.

Also, I have a 3 1/2 month old Brittany. Whenever there's a loud noise, and she looks at me, I look away, walk away, and don't say anything. Don't make a big deal of it.

I have a 22-month old English setter that hates any type of loud noise – except for gunfire, which thrills her to no end. Not sure exactly how things worked out the way they did, but I'm sure thankful for it.