TERRE HAUTE —
Thunder and other loud noises often frighten dogs (and other pets). Many problems that arise from fear can be resolved but left untreated often get worse. The most common problem with fear related behavior to a particular noise is escape and destruction. When a dog becomes frightened from noise, he will try to escape the noise and in the process, he will sometimes become injured. A dog can also associate a noise with what is going on in the environment and he may become frightened of other things because it reminds him of the noise he is frightened of. For example, dogs that are afraid of firecrackers may become afraid of the children who had the firecrackers.
When your dog becomes frightened, notice where he tries to go. Create a place where he can feel safe by providing that place for him. If he wants to go under your bed, make sure he can get into your bedroom. If he tries to get into the house, consider installing a dog door. Create a “safe place” for him to go that shields him from the frightening noise as much as possible. Turn on a fan or radio near the area to help block out the sound that frightens them. Feed your pet in his “safe area” so he will associate good things happening in that spot. Allow him to come and go freely from there. Some dogs may become more active when frightened and this approach might not work for them.
When your dog first becomes anxious, try to distract him. Encourage him to engage in activity that will require his attention. As he becomes aware of the noise, try to involve him in something he enjoys. Get a tennis ball and play fetch. Reward him for paying attention with praise and treats. Each time you do, it may lessen the fearful behavior or delay the fearful response. If your dog becomes more anxious, stop the process.
Techniques that involve behavior modification are often successful in reducing fears. These desensitization techniques teach your dog to behave in non-fearful ways to things that have previously frightened him. Begin by pairing a low level noise that doesn’t frighten him with something that he enjoys. Gradually increase the volume while offering him something he likes. This will help him to associate good things with a previously feared sound. For example, make a tape with firecracker noises in it. Play the tape low enough that your dog doesn’t respond to it. While listening to the tape, feed your dog, give him treats, or play his favorite game. During the next session, play the tape a little louder. Continue slowly raising the volume with a number of sessions over several weeks or months. If your pet shows signs of fear, stop. Start the next session at a lower volume and proceed more slowly. If not conducted properly, it can make the problem worse.
Don’t try to reassure your dog or give him treats when he is afraid. He could interpret it as a reward and reinforce the fearful behavior. Try to act normal. Do not put your dog in a crate. He could injure himself trying to get out. Don’t punish your dog; this will only make him more fearful. Don’t force your dog to be close to the sound that frightens him. This could cause him to become aggressive trying to escape the sound that he is so frightened of. These approaches will fail because they won’t reduce the dog’s fear. Even formal training will not make your dog less fearful.
If necessary, consult your veterinarian. Medication may be available to help reduce your dog’s anxiety level. Do not attempt to give your dog any over the counter medication without consulting your veterinarian. It could be fatal to your dog. Drugs won’t reduce your pet’s fears but in extreme cases, combined with behavior modification, it might be the best solution.
Gibson
Gibson is just a perfect boy in every way. He is a petite 41 pounds, housebroken, good with cats and dogs and already neutered and heartworm negative. Gibson has the cutest little goatee and he loves to play with other dogs. Most of all he loves people. So, if you are looking for a friend, Gibson is your man! You can meet Gibson at the Terre Haute Humane Shelter at 1811 Fruitridge Ave. or call at (812) 232-0293.
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