Blitzen had his first outing today with rifle and bunnies. Really just a walk in the bush for an hour or so with the chance of a bunny or two.

I only introduced Blitz to rifle fire two weeks ago. Shooting one a couple of times 50 metres away while I stayed with him and patted him and gave him a treat. Jumped for the first two shots but no undue alarm. Gave him a good smell of the gun smoke and the .22 mag case as well.

Last week, again at 50 metres, then 25 metres, then right next to him. Pats and treats each time. Again a good sniff of the gun oil and powder smoke.

Today he looked excited when he smelt the rifle. A good sign!

The hunt today. When I aimed the rifle to look through the scope at rabbit like object, Blitz showed interest and stood still. Another good sign. Only had a couple of shots at rabbits. One about a hundred metres away and a baby. Missed. The second shot over Blitz's head (and ears - not good) and a rabbit in the bag. No gun shyness at all except his hair was a bit on end on his back. Pats and reassurance. Took the little dog down and showed him the blood to smell. And then he found the rabbit. Good smell all over this strange animal, which undoubtably he has smelled on the ground before. Did not bite it. But certainly tried to grab it when I picked it up, and the little bugger tried to get hold of the swinging bunny when walking.

I am deliberately being low key on rabbits, even if they are the main target around here, as they are irresistible to chase. The skin will come in handy as a cover for a toy though.

Also saw a fox and a grey kangaroo. The fox saw me first though and was off at a run. Maybe if I had a .222 and not the .22 Mag it would be in the bag too.

Also met a nice lady, a adult female GSP whom was also being taken for a walk after bunnies for the first time. Blitz was at first scared of this big lady but then got very playful. I have taken Blitz to puppy "pre-school" to meet other puppies for socialisation but only one class so far.

There is some water in the pools of the creek so tomorrow it might be his first swim.

Would have taken some photos of the young fellow to share, but both camera batteries were flat. Maybe tomorrow.

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Any suggestions anyone and ideas?

I'm going to see if I can get hold of some blood from a hare and deer and start using it for low key tracking training. Get him started early.