Train your dog not to be afraid of loud noises
Posted on 13. Jul, 2012 by admin in Dog Training, Train Your Dog - Top 20
Having a dog is maybe one of the most enjoyable experiences in one’s life and keeping him safe should be a number one priority. You should know that all dogs get scared when they hear loud noises, such as thunder, a helicopter flying at a low altitude, lots of car horns or sirens. While some of them show their fear by coming closer to you, others might have some extreme reactions, which could include loud and nervous barking, running away in fear and trying to hide under objects. You should be very careful about the actions you take and even though your first instinct would be to pet him, you should avoid doing that – your dog would wrongfully learn that he is being appreciated when he is scared and will keep up the bad behavior. There are many approaches to this problem and I will briefly present three of them in the next paragraphs.
Method one – ignore your dog
You should ignore your dog when you see him scared of loud noises. This will result in your dog calming himself over time, at his own pace. In time, he will see there is nothing to be afraid of and stop reacting. You should first do this while you are in space with no places for him to hide under and you should constantly watch him. Try to leave him alone or confine him in crate. After a while he will be relaxed and leave the crate by his own. This is maybe the best way to teach your dog how to be safe at all times, for you won’t be able to prevent loud noises to reach him.
Method two – distract your dog
This is maybe the most fun and enjoyable way in which your dog can learn how to overcome his fear of loud noises. For example, if you know that a storm is coming give him many rubber toys to play with. You should also try to feed him tasty treats in order to keep him occupied.
Method three – intentionally play scary sounds
You should also try to find some recordings of the usual loud noises that scare your dog and play them when he is relaxed and calm. Talk to him while playing them, so he can know that you are there and not get scared. Reward him with a treat when he positively reacts. In time, he should get accustomed to loud noises and stop having violent reactions.
Toshiaki
29. Sep, 2012
Praise is the key, I think. Whenever they do something good, pet them, prasie them loudly and over again a few times, and then reward them with a treat. It’s going to take patients and when the dog messes up it’s important to be stern but don’t be abusive. =P Dogs are smart and it will eventually catch on. If you’re planning on getting a puppy, it’s going to take extra patients so just keep that in mind, it’s a solid commitment. I have two Pitbulls, and training is everything with them so I think I may know what I’m talking about. Haha, best of luck to you and your new dog! References : Experienced dog owner.