Scary Noises

Dealing with the Causes or Triggers

There are two things we can do to make a difference to how the dog reacts to noises. These are : Desensitise, that is to change the level that the dog reacts to the noise, and Counter Condition, that is to change the association that the dog has with the noise from a bad feeling, to a good feeling.

 

Fortunately, these can be done together.

How is it done? - We play a recording of the noise at a very, very low level.

Remember that Dogs hearing is much more sensitive than ours, so we play at a level that can barely be heard by us.

 

Gradually the level is increased, each time the dog is allowed plenty of time to get used to this level.

If the Dog shows any sign that she is uncomfortable with this level, we back it off until she is ok with it.

Signs of stress are - Getting up and leaving, licking lips, shaking, tail tucked etc etc.

 

Play safe, so do not just resume with a stressed dog, try again later when she is calm.

 

At the same time that the sounds are playing, we heap lots of Good Stuff on the Dog i.e. Good Tasty Treats, a favourite toy, lots of fuss, their Dinner, etc etc

 

Keep these sessions short, especially in the beginning, just a few minutes at a time. Work on just one sound at a time, introducing another scary sound directly after a reconditioned one can backfire and cause a negative association.

You can repeat the sessions reasonably often, but remember if giving treats, the more she has the lower the effect each time.

 

If you have any doubts at all - Just Ask