How to Teach a Dog to Calm Down When the Phone Rings

If your dog goes crazy when your phone rings -- barking, jumping around or running from it, he probably views it as something scary or awful. Not only does your phone's ring sound intimidating to your pup, but he probably also associates the phone itself with something that takes your attention away from him. Train Fido to view your phone and its ring as something to look forward to instead.

Things You'll Need

  • Phone
  • Sound recorder
  • Dog treats
  • Puzzle toy
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Turn down the volume of your phone's ringtone to make it less intimidating for your pup prior to training, if this is possible on your phone. You may also want to change the ring to something soothing, like a classical music song instead of a traditional ringtone or other type of tune you may already be using. Classical music is soothing to pooches, according to "Psychology Today."

    • 2

      Trigger the ring on your phone by calling it from another line or another cell phone. If neither of these options is available, simply make a recording of the ring to play for your dog. Command your dog to sit and be quiet. Once he sits calmly, give him lots of treats and praise. Continue this exercise for 10 minutes daily until your dog regularly responds with calm behavior to the ring of the phone.

      Use a trigger ring that is much softer than usual and increase the volume during each training session.

    • 3

      Pretend to talk into the phone for a few minutes. If your dog jumps up or starts barking, ignore him completely. When he quiets down and sits, even momentarily, give him lots of tasty treats and praise. Repeat this exercise daily until your pup stays calm after the phone rings.

    • 4

      Give your dog a puzzle toy filled with his favorite food. While his attention is engaged in getting out the food from this toy, make your phone ring and pretend to talk on it. His attention should be so focused on the toy that he won't react as much to the ring. Repeat this exercise daily to slowly desensitize your dog to the ring of the phone and even afterwards when you speak on it.

    • 5

      Provide your pup with a "safe spot" nearby, such as a comfy dog bed in a corner or under the bed, where he can escape to when he hears the phone if it scares him. Trigger the phone to ring. Reward him with a treat if he goes to and sits calmly in his safe area.