Training your dog not to fear loud noises such as thunderstorms, fire
crackers
Firecrackers, thunder, and other loud, unexpected sounds often leave
dogs frightened and wanting to flee to a safer place. These types of
fears may develop even though your dog has had no traumatic
experiences associated with the sound. The good news is that many fear-
related problems can be successfully resolved. If left untreated,
however, your dog’s fearful behavior will probably get worse.

The most common behavior problems associated with fear of loud noises
are destruction and escaping. When your dog becomes frightened, he
tries to reduce his fear. He may try to escape to a place where the
sounds of thunder or firecrackers are less intense. If he feels less
afraid by leaving the yard or going into a certain room or area of the
house, then the escape or destructive behavior is reinforced because
it successfully lessens his fear. For some dogs, just the activity or
physical exertion associated with one of these behaviors may be an
outlet for their anxiety.

What You Can Do to Help
Create a Safe Place
Try to create a safe place for your dog to go to when he hears the
noises that frighten him. But remember, this must be a safe location
from his perspective, not yours. Notice where he goes, or tries to go,
when he’s frightened, and if at all possible, give him access to that
place. If he’s trying to get inside the house, consider installing a
dog door. If he’s trying to get under your bed, give him access to
your bedroom. You can also create a “hidey-hole” that is dark, small,
and shielded from the frightening sound as much as possible. Consider
using a fan or radio near the spot to help block out the sound. Feed
him in that location and help your dog associate that spot with other
good things” happening to him there.

Distract Your Dog
This method works best when your dog is just beginning to get anxious.
Encourage him to engage in any activity that captures his attention
and distracts him from behaving fearfully. Start when he first alerts
you to the noise and is not yet showing a lot of fearful behavior, but
is only watchful. Immediately try to interest him in doing something
that he enjoys. Get out the tennis ball and play fetch (in an escape
proof area), or practice some commands that he knows. Reward him with
praise and treats for paying attention to the game or the commands. As
the storm or other noise builds, you may not be able to keep his
attention on the activity, but it might delay the start of the fearful
behavior for longer periods each time you do it. If you can’t keep his
attention and he begins acting fearfully, stop the process. If you
continue, you may inadvertently reinforce his fearful behavior.

Behavior Modification
Behavior modification techniques are often successful in reducing
fears and phobias. The appropriate techniques are called
“counterconditioning” and “desensitization.” These techniques
condition or teach your dog to respond in nonfearful ways to sounds
and other stimuli that have previously frightened him. These
techniques must be implemented very gradually. Begin by exposing your
dog to an intensity level of noise that doesn’t frighten him and
pairing the noise with something pleasant, like a treat or a fun game.
Gradually increase the volume as you continue to offer him something
pleasant. Through this process, he’ll come to associate “good things”
with the previously feared sound.

Here’s an Example of How to Do This
Make a tape with firecracker noises on it.Play the tape at such a low
volume that your dog doesn’t respond fearfully. While the tape is
playing, feed him dinner, give him a treat, or play him favorite game.
In your next session, play the tape a little louder while you feed him
or play his favorite game.

Continue increasing the volume through many sessions over a period of
several weeks or months. If he displays fearful behavior at any time
while the tape is playing, STOP. Begin your next session at a lower
volume, one that doesn’t produce anxiety, and proceed more slowly. If
these techniques aren’t used correctly, they won’t be successful and
can even make the problem worse. For some fears, it can be difficult
to re-create the fear stimulus. For example, thunder is accompanied by
lightning, rain, and changes in barometric pressure; your dog’s
fearful response may be to the combination of these things and not
just the thunder. You may need professional assistance to create and
implement this kind of behavior modification program.

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Training your dog not to fear loud noises such as thunderstorms, fire
crackers

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