HOW TO BREAK GUN-SHY DOGS.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2634, 18 June 1877, Page 2

HOW TO BREAK GUN-SHY DOGS.

A Brooklyn correspondent of the New York Turf, Field and Farm thu?; tells how to break gpn-shy dogs : Of the gunshy setter dog spoken of in your last number I would say: The trouble with the dog probably originated in his faulty rearing. If pistol shots are, fired over young pups when feeding them, they will not only become accustomed to, but grow to like the report of the gun, and be not afraid of it. If the dog in question is a' good worker and retriever, it will be an easy matter to' care him of his shyness. The owner should take him out to where there is a cherry or mulberry tree, or any other on which fruit grows that attracts robins or birds of like size. The tree should stand pn bare ground, that is, be: isolated, so when birds are shot at from it the dog can see them, both in falling and when on the ground. Drive a stake into the ground, within shooting distance,' chain the dog to it and sit down close beside him. Load the gun for the first few charges very light, but be sure to kill the bird shot at. After every discharge of your gun caress and speak gently to the dog. As soon as it is evident that his first fear is overcome commence increasing the charge until you reach the full quantity, and keep shooting till he watches you raise your gun to fire without showing any sigu3 of trepidation. Then take him from the stake and lead him by the chnin among the dead birds ; permit him to pick up and give them to you, returning caresses each time, but keeping your gun always in your hand to let him see and smell it. Next set him free, and then shcot another bird : but instead of letting him drop to charge, tell him to go out and fetch. . r -