Thread: Dog ready to go bush

I love her scarf and hi vis jacket
I've had some dogs run around like a nutbag when I pick up the rifle due to being very keen to get a possum or rabbit, and others that skulk off. Your right it is best to make a game of it. I've found if you use their favourite squeaky toy or object, and amp up the situation of "lets get this thing" then throw the thing on the ground and you "attack" it with something that makes a bit of noise ( like a bit of pipe or wood), it can help to show that any noise is not directed at the dog. You can also set up a bit of roofing iron and whilst holding the dog and directing their attention to a toy by the iron, throw a stone at the iron ( about 10-15m away) and as the stone lands use your "get it" voice and bring the dog over to the toy and iron. It helps reinforce the fact that any noise is not aimed at the dog. Some dogs can be a bit more scaredy than others but the main aim is to get them to realise that any loud sounds doesn't mean they are in trouble.