Thunder, fireworks, garbage trucks, vacuum cleaners, coffee grinders … When your dog is afraid of strong noise, the world can be full of triggers. Pet parents often fight how to help their canine friends to deal with these stressful sounds. Let’s explore some options!
Desensitization and contraction
This is where we expose the dog to the sound that fear at low intensity and combine the sound with something positive, like a delicious delight!
For example, find a video of someone aspiring. Play the video at a volume low enough so that your dog can still listen to it without showing signs of stress. While listening to the sound, feeding their dog with high -value sweets, such as pieces of cheese or hot dogs.
Gradually increase the volume of terrifying sound, always associating it with delicious sweets. Over time, your dog will begin to associate the previously scary noise with food, which will help you feel less scary.
Alternatively, turn on the void and have your dog at the opposite end of the house. As your dog finds out that the vacuum means delicious sweets, gradually move closer and repeat the exercise.
This type of contraction takes time, repetition and consistency: incorporate it into your routine so that your dog can develop your trust over time.
Other ways to help handle fears
Some noises are difficult to recreate realistic enough, or come with other sensations that we cannot recreate. Thunder is a perfect example: not only is it extremely strong, but also comes with atmospheric changes that we have no way of reproducing. We can still use the technique of touching the sound and rewarding, but often that will not be enough; Or maybe you will be caught in a storm before you have been able to successfully counteract your dog. The following suggestions can help you handle fearful answers at the time.
Routes They are tight vests that work as wrapping a baby. The pressure can stimulate the release of soothing hormones, which work to reduce anxiety and fear. These can help some dogs cope with their noise phobias. However, be careful: to leave a dog on a dog for long periods will make it ineffective over time.
Fit It is a synthetic copy of the feromone that mother dogs release at birth to calm and reassure their puppies. It can be found in several ways, such as aerosols, diffusers and necklaces. Aptile can help induce a feeling of relaxation in dogs. You can also use soothing aromas, such as lavender and chamomile, in a diffuser.
While we cannot necessarily increase the distance of things such as thunder or fireworks, we can provide additional isolation! Create a cozy place for your dog in a room without windows or outer walls, such as an internal bath or a large closet. The basements are also ideal for this!
Remember that your fearful dog is well comforted! Fear is an emotional response and emotions cannot be reinforced. You will not get worse your dog’s fear by comforting them.
When desensitization and comfort are not enough
If your dog is still absolutely inconsolable, consider talking to your veterinarian about sedatives or anxiety medications. While these alone will probably not solve their dog’s fears, they can help your dog’s emotional response to a manageable level. This can be very useful when working on desensitization training. Remember, medication relieves symptoms but does not generate confidence: it is important to treat the root cause of fear to help your dog in the long term.
Jen Couthlan
Behavior Coordinator
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