HANDLING DOG'S FEAR OF LOUD NOISES (Thunder, Firecrackers, etc)

Here’s a few ideas on what to do (and don’t do) if your dog reacts in fear to loud noises. Reactions can include panting, pacing, salivating, shaking, prolonged pupil dilation, emptying of anal glad, fear of a specific stimulus.

 ·Create a safe place for your dog. If your dog chooses to hide when he hears loud noises, create a place that he can get to when he needs to.  This could be a place under the bed, under the stairs, in the back of a closet, a doggie door from the outside into the house etc.  When your dog is not using the safety place associate it with positive things, such as feedings and treats. 

·Use activity to distract your dog. When your dog starts to show anxiety, begin to distract him either through play or practicing commands.  Give him a lot of praise during the session.  If your dog begins to lose interest in the play and becomes more anxious, do not continue the play as he may begin to associate it with the fear.

·Desensitize your dog to the fearful noise.  When your dog is calm and not fearful begin to expose him to the noise at low levels.  Play a tape recording of the fearful noise at a low volume, and at the same time feed him, play with him and/or give him treats.  Gradually increase the noise level.  If your dog begins to show anxiety, back the volume down, and start again.

·Medication/Holistic. Bach's Rescue Remedy can help him keep calm before the noise starts. Comfort Zone with D.A.P. by Farnam is an aromatherapy which may also help. Anti-anxiety medication is an option, but it only treats the symptoms and does not alleviate the fear the dog has.  Medication may be helpful in the beginning stages of desensitizing your dog to the fearful noises, but should not be considered as a long term solution.

·THINGS NOT TO DO.  Do not try to force your dog to experience the fear or attempt to reassure him that he will be fine.  Again, what owners shouldn't do is reinforce the fearful behavior. "Try not to spend a lot of time petting the animal because it is afraid," Fortney said. "Cuddling the animal, holding the animal, letting the animal get in the bed, even saying “It’s okay” in a soothing voicee are rewards that encourage the dog's fearful behavior.  Crating your dog does not address the fear; however, it could be used as a safety place for your dog.  But do not force your dog into the crate if he does not wish to go.  Above all never punish your dog for acting on his fear.