Gun Dog Forum

Hello, I have a 13 week old GSP pup, who I have shot .22 crimps and 12 gauge shells while he has been chasing birds (from 100 feet away all the way up to several feet away). He didn't react to the sounds of gunfire, but when he is at home sometimes he gets startled by a sudden loud noise. I was wondering what everyone's opinion was on taking him out on a dove hunt (Sept. 1st) when he is 4 months old. I'm not expecting anything out of him, just want to hangout with him while i'm dove hunting. Do you think it would be too soon? The only thing I would be worried about is the volume of gunfire and the fact that he wouldn't be chasing a bird while it was going on. Thanks.

I wouldn't take a 4month dog dove hunting around several guns going off at a dove; your going to have this dog for possibly 12 to 13 years why rush and possibly do more damage than good. If you want to shoot a dove while you and your dog are out walking around that may be something to consider, where you can monitor his response and only since you have shot around him previously. (JMO)

No

don't do it
never shoot around a pup unless it's chasing or totally focused on a bird

Thanks guys, I won't take him out

You gain nothing by taking him with and risk a lot. I wouldn't do it.