How to Fix a Dog's Fear of Loud Noises

A storm is rolling in and your dog is pacing, panting and cowering, just as it did with the last storm and every storm before that. Dogs can develop phobias to any specific noise, but fear of thunderstorms, slamming doors, traffic noises and skateboard or skate wheels are common. Sound phobias can become increasingly worse until your dog fears the original sound as well as any other sights and sounds associated with it, such as wind and rain with a thunderstorm. Dogs may have mild reactions, such as pacing or hiding, or more severe ones that could put them at risk for injuring themselves as they try to escape the sounds they fear.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog treats
  • Sound recordings
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Instructions

    • 1

      Manage a mild fear by minimizing your dog's exposure to the sound. For example, if your dog reacts negatively to the sound of the kitchen fan, avoid turning on the fan if at all possible. Instead, open the window to ventilate your kitchen. Use this technique if your dog's fear is not severe enough to affect its quality of life.

    • 2

      Provide a safe place for your dog when it hears the noise that triggers its phobia. It may choose this place on its own. Does it hide under a desk, under the bed or in the bathtub during windstorms? Encourage it to seek refuge in its safe spot by placing a blanket or towel in the space. Provide a favorite toy for comfort too.

    • 3

      Hire a certified applied animal behaviorist (CAAB) to help you treat your dog's phobia, especially if thunderstorms or other similar noises are the culprit. The treatment process, known as desensitization and counterconditioning, should only be done under the supervision of a professional because it actually can worsen a phobia if done incorrectly. A certified pet dog trainer also is an option, but only hire a trainer with ample experience performing counterconditioning treatments.

    • 4

      Test a recording of the noise, such as thunder, to see how your dog will respond. Look for fear-related responses such as salivating, pacing, panting and cowering. If your dog is not concerned by the recording, desensitization and counterconditioning may not be an option, especially thunderstorm phobias. Some others, such as fear of skateboard wheels, can be replicated more easily.

    • 5

      Play a recording at a volume low enough to keep your dog from being afraid. Take it ti its safe place and provide it with a bone or treat to chew on while the recording plays. Whenever the sound plays, reward your dog with an extra treat and with praise, but only when it is calm, or you will reinforce the fear. Gradually increase the volume of the recording as your dog becomes desensitized to each level. If your dog shows fear, return to the previous volume for a while longer.

    • 6

      Repeat step five in different locations throughout your house after your dog is comfortable with the recording it its safe place. This will help your dog learn to accept the noise in different locations and circumstances.

    • 7

      Mix the recording with the real sound. For example, if you know a thunderstorm is on the way, start the recording at a low volume. Try to time this session so that the real thunder begins as you are reaching louder volumes on the recording. Reward your dog for staying calm at each volume. Ideally, your dog will become desensitized to the real thing and your recordings will become unnecessary.

    • 8

      Ask your veterinarian to prescribe sedatives or other medication to help your dog remain calm when it is exposed to the noise it fears. In some cases, especially in the case of thunder or wind phobias, desensitization may not work and you may need to sedate your dog. Medication also can be used along with desensitization and counterconditioning to help your dog remain calm during treatment.