Gun safety

 It's possible that the man had his gun loaded for hunting when the dog jumped on the trigger. However, most people don't leave their guns loaded unless they are going to shoot them soon. However, it is true that people in homes who are paranoid about break ins do leave their guns loaded. But, if there are any children around this is a really bad idea. Some people have safety's on their guns too but in an emergency they worry that they will actually remember to take the safety off so the gun can shoot. People with revolvers for example, might keep a chamber empty next to the firing pin so if the hammer bangs it won't set off a shell. People with automatic weapons might have them loaded but don't put a bullet in the chamber so it cannot be fired accidentally too. However, if you are a policeman and have to shoot in an emergency this means you have to cock the automatic before you shoot it. 

But, most people are pretty savvy about how to avoid being shot by their own guns worldwide. 

Basically, if you are not properly educated in how to care for a gun without getting shot by it or it shooting another member of your family you really shouldn't have a gun in the first place.

A gun is a tool like a shovel or hoe or rake and you have to treat them with respect or else you are going to accidentally shoot yourself or someone else in your family.

So, think long and hard if your situation requires a gun or not carefully before obtaining a gun or loading a gun with ammunition.