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Fear of Loud Noise
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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Fear of Loud Noise
In article ,
wrote: Training your dog not to fear loud noises such as thunderstorms, fire crackers HEY! I found 170 copies of exactly the same text online!! The first bunch of hits are from rescue organizations (the article was originally from the DDFL). The next bunch of hits is from puppy pimps and miscellaneous scammers. Which are you? -- Melinda Shore - Software longa, hardware brevis - Prouder than ever to be a member of the reality-based community |
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Fear of Loud Noise | [email protected] | Dog health | 1 | August 3rd 08 12:13 AM |