Bringing a Bouvier shooting.

[Zen_Seeker]

I'm posting this here only because people take their dogs hunting all the time. However this is in regards to bringing one target shooting.

My Bouvier likes to sit or stay a few feet directly behind me when I go target shooting. He's done this since we first got him and continues to do so. Most of the time it's with the .223's or rimfires but lately I've been taking different 7.62 rifles out, some with brakes, and leaving him at home.

Should I be worried about this? I don't think he's ever been around when I've shot the louder rifles. Others have been around on the farm when I used my 30-06 but they stayed further back and it was only a few times a year.

I can live with the guilt of leaving him home on these trips but if he's in no real danger of hearing damage then I can bring him along more often. He's about 8 now. Still acts like a puppy when he thinks no one is watching. (125lbs dog playing hall hockey with a empty water bottle, priceless.)

 

[A-zone]

I’ve had four Bouviers over 28 years and I would suggest leaving him in the vehicle when you’re at the range. The issue is with potential hearing damage and also the possibility of inducing a fear of loud noises.

Just my $.02 worth.

 

[Zen_Seeker]

I’ve had four Bouviers over 28 years and I would suggest leaving him in the vehicle when you’re at the range. The issue is with potential hearing damage and also the possibility of inducing a fear of loud noises.

Just my $.02 worth.

He's my second and our families 4th Bouvier. None have run or acted fearful of firearms and often join me when shooting groundhogs, with a 30-06 as dad didn't believe a 22 was humane. My father's Bouv stopped coming with me because he didn't like that I was shooting them before he could catch them and toss them up. He'd let it hit the ground and then look at me before heading back to the house on his own.

I treat kids and animals the same when it comes to noise.... Get them use to it early and they learn to ignore it or go someplace else for a while. Cats seem to be the only exception...they have their own rules.

The only real difference is that mine stays two feet behind or a little off to the side of me when target shooting. I would have thought he'd move further away or fined a nap spot but he just watches from behind. I don't take him to the range but rather my spot on the woods near the cottage so I could leave him in the SUV I guess and let him out between rounds and reloads. If I knew how far away was safe I could put his long lead around a tree or something. I won't shoot if he's running loose just in case.

Thanks for the feedback.
Zen

 

[doo925]

If you want to take your dog shooting, get the dog some hearing protection. No kidding, such a thing is available. I’ve seen it used at more than one sanctioned shoot. Do a Google search and you’ll find it online. If you really care about your dog, don’t make it deaf. BTW, I also had Bouvs for years. Did the confirmation show thing for years with mine. Beautiful breed of dog.

 

[Butcherbill]

If it was me I’d use the long line around a tree a farther back then normal to see what the reaction is, if the dog is ok with it then proceed as normal. I would worry about hearing damage though and would look into some ear pro for the dog.

 

[Zen_Seeker]

If it was me I’d use the long line around a tree a farther back then normal to see what the reaction is, if the dog is ok with it then proceed as normal. I would worry about hearing damage though and would look into some ear pro for the dog.

So far hearing protection options aren't all the great. He wouldn't keep it on.

Picking a tree further back isn't possible as it's a spot in the woods accessible by cottage/fire roads. I'm already parked at a tee intersection to get 80m and don't think he'd like being put on the other side of the road. It also get's a few cars going by once in a while so he'd either have to be further back or put on a short lead so as not to get hit on the road.

I guess it's either leave him in the car or at home for anything over .22/.223. The noise never seems to bother him but it's not worth risking things. Just thought someone here who hunts with dogs might have found a good solution. I know weather and other safety items for dogs have come a long way. Vests, goggles, etc. I can just picture him with a full tactical helmet on that has hearing protection built in.

Regards,
Zen

 

[Dances with Drahts]

if my dogs come skeet shooting, they are off leash, and usually fetch the pieces that fall to the ground. I can make them sit behind me, but they seem to have more fun chasing pieces.