I know that living with a fearful dog, especially one scared of strange or loud noises can be stressful. Especially when those fireworks start going and your dog is either attempting the reenact The Great Escape or clambering to your lap, no matter how big or slobbery they are.  The fact of the matter is, no matter how much you comfort your terrified pooch the problem only seems to get worse.  Well in order to help your dog and you from the stresses that a fear of noise creates we have created an article to help your dog on the road to recovery.  You will learn how to desensitize and counter condition their reaction to noises in order to have a relaxed pet.  Oh and don’t worry it’s not as complicated as it sounds.

Equipment Needed

The first thing to do is to buy a CD called ‘crash, bang, wallop’.  This CD will provide you with the necessary sounds for desensitizing your dog to the stresses and strains of fireworks and many other unpleasant noises.  You are also going to need whatever motivates your dog the most. Is Fido crazy for treats or does he love to chew on a toy?  Think about this as you are going to need the strongest motivator for your dog possible.  If your dog loves treats then save the tastiest (usually hot dogs or cheese) for this occasion. If your dog is toy motivated, keep a special toy tucked away out of reach that only comes out when it’s training time.

How to desensitize and counter condition

Desensitizing is to take your dog from a state of anxiety around a certain stimulus to a neutral state and counter conditioning will allow your dog to make a positive association with the sounds.

Play your CD at the lowest possible volume, literally so that you cannot hear almost anything. Reward your dog with a game or lavish them with treats.  Your dog should not be showing any signs of stress at this point whatsoever.  If you do see excessive panting, yawning, scratching or general anxiety then turn that volume further down (you have it too high). If necessary place the CD player in the next room.

TOP TIP: Playing the CD at meal times is a great way to make a positive association.

Timing

Repeat this around four times a day for no longer than three minutes.  You can squeeze a session in whilst you wait for the kettle to boil it’s that quick.  Keeping it short and sweet is definitely the way to go with fear issues. Make things fun for your dog and ensure that you are rewarding good behaviours.

Increasing the noise levels

Remember your timing and increase the volume by the slightest increment.  Repeat the steps for desensitization and counter conditioning.  Rewarding your dog and playing games.  You need to be very aware of how your dog is reacting and take the increasing volume at your dogs pace. If you increase too quickly your dog will become anxious.  Over a few weeks you can slowly build your dog up until the CD is playing at a considerable volume whilst you and your dog are having a great time!
TOP TIP : DAP diffusers or collars can help calm your dog through appeasing pheromones, pick one up at your local vets.

Your signals

Try to make sure you stay calm and relaxed if you see any anxiety for your dog. Do not respond to anxious behaviour, just calmly take a step back and lower your levels and expectations. Remember you have to go at your dog’s rate and there is no quick fix although this method only takes a few minutes a day.