My dog loves being out in the garden he can come in and out as he pleases, there is a problem though I stay beside an estate where shooting takes place occasionaly and it drives my dog crazy!!  When I try to get him in he runs away and is scared barking like mad and when I try to catch him he just keeps running.  He runs towards them barking I think trying to protect us but is terrified at the same time.  I was thinking of attaching him to a long rope or something so when this happens I can easily keep hold of him as he loves being out.  Would this be dangerous for him he is never left outside while we are out and someone would always be on hand for him.  Does anyone know what I could use and where I could buy something like that.  We have just moved in and I didn't realise that they had shooting.

The shooting season ends very soon so you shouldn't have too much trouble then you will have until the autumn to adapt his behaviour to something a little safer.  Dogs running around with guns is never a good idea unless you have them under control.  I can't imagine why you weren't informed about the shooting rights when you bought the property.

Shoots will take place on certain days at a certain time so have a word with the gamekeeper and ask him when the guns are likely to be out.  I am sure he will be only too happy to help you introduce your dog to gunshot (and pheasants) in a more controlled manner.

I wouldn't personally go the route of attaching him to a long rope, rather for the next couple of weeks keep him in when guns are out.

Good Luck

I suggest you get a copy of the CD Curing the Gunshy Dog with accompanying instructions from Crosskeys Books; you will then be able to desensitise your dog gradually to the sound of gunfire.

It is important that you try to do this as many dogs have been killed when frightened by gunfire and/or fireworks by running away and getting run over etc.

Keeping him outside during this noise whilst holding his lead will only serve to increase his anxiety as there is no means of escape.

Be warned there are few, a very few, dogs who never get over their gunshyness; however most can be helped to tolerate it if not ignore it eventually.

HTH