[dhfitch]

I guess i would be coincided an outdoors man. I don't want my do to be fearful of loud sounds (i.e. gunfire). Any training suggestions and/or cautions? I've though about just setting off firecrackers around him. Should he have ear protection? I'll probably seldom/never have him around the gun range, but as a kid I had a retrieve who hid in the basement and urinated on himself whenever my dad would take me shooting, or the neighbor set off fireworks. I don't want Reagan doing the same thing.

 

[GSD Fan]

What's the reason you don't want him gun shy? Unless you plan to hunt with your shepherd, I don't see the point. Some more experienced members will give you some more feedback.

 

[Stosh]

Well, I wouldn't start with firecrackers! I'd have someone bang on a table or trashcan lid, something like that while you give him treats or a play with his favorite toy to distract him while the noise is going on. Their hearing is so acute that something like that is sufficient to train him. Is he afraid of thunder? That's usually a pretty good clue of how he'll handle a gunshot.

 

[dhfitch]

What's the reason you don't want him gun shy? Unless you plan to hunt with your shepherd, I don't see the point. Some more experienced members will give you some more feedback.

I don't plan on using him to hunt, but I do go to the firing range and launch fireworks when I throw parties. I just don't want him to be freaked out by the explosions/thunder.