His breed is a mix of some hound. But he is afraid of everything! how can i get him at least not to hide under the bed everytime it rains or there are fireworks?
2006-09-05 05:26:15 · 14 answers · asked by Dim 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Noise sensitivity is not inherent in your dog, it has been learned.
Comforting a dog that acts noise sensitive is actually rewarding him for cowering.
Petting and coddling your dog is positive reinforcement, so whenever he acts like he is cowering to noise, ignore him.
Try to get him to play his favorite game or with his favorite toy during fireworks or a thunderstorm. Take him for a walk outside if it is not too bad of weather. He has to face his fear and you need to help him. If you can get him for a walk during a thunderstorm, give him treats along the way if he is walking confidently.
Start by making noise while he is doing something he likes, playing ball (or whatever), eating, or chewing on a rawhide. Start small and at somewhat of a distance. Bang a pan or pop a plastic bag in another room until the dog is desensitized to that particular noise. You can eventually get closer and louder, but take your old sweet time doing these exercises. This will take months for him to get over.
As long as you are consistent, and understanding, there is a possibility that you can get him over this.
Best of luck.
2006-09-05 06:04:16 · answer #1 · answered by gspguy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is an issue that has plagued many a dog owner. I have a 13 year old Dal that is terrified of thunder storms and a 12 year old male that is afarid of gun fire. It sound like that something frightened him as a pup and that was reenforced but cuddling or petting. Check the web for things to do to correct this issue.
2006-09-05 12:31:39 · answer #2 · answered by Dalmatian Rescue 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You too, huh? I don't think it even matters what kind of dog, ours is a purebred Airedale. Ours can deal with rain if there is no thunderstorm, but anything from fireworks to bubble wrap, forget it. Honestly I have no clue what can change it, I'm not sure anything can. Our dog generally ends up hiding in the basement on the 4th of July.
2006-09-05 12:49:18 · answer #3 · answered by Indigo 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
you have to train him to become insensitive to those sounds. he's most likely insecure because he doesn't know what is associated with those sounds. when there are loud sounds and such. just draw his attention away. do it a few times and he'll start to treat them as background sounds and ignore them.
go to ur local library and look up some dog training books. they are quite helpful
2006-09-05 12:34:05 · answer #4 · answered by 2dogs 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a terrier who was afraid of loud sounds. What I did was to talk soothingly to her and hold her in my lap and stroke her until there was no more loud noise. I know that they say not to do this, but it turned out all right for me and Lady. Eventually she overcame her fear of loud sounds.
2006-09-05 12:31:03 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I've used drops of peppermint oil on my german shepherd. Use one drop just above the the center of their head about two inches above and between their eyes,and one drop each on the pads of their feet.Peppermint oil is a soothing aromatherapy for anyone,but it works great for cats and dogs.
2006-09-05 12:53:32 · answer #6 · answered by auntgnu62 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
When your dog is afraid pat it slowly esp in the neck/back area of the dog, it will calm the dog. And comfort your dog.
2006-09-05 12:32:12 · answer #7 · answered by Dariel J 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
did he belong to someone else if so maybe he was abused and that makes him afraid of loud sounds just love him and time will tell
2006-09-05 12:34:53 · answer #8 · answered by mary_nath1 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Comfort him. That way he'll realize you're there to protect him and to not be afraid of those noises anymore.
2006-09-05 12:29:19 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
You can try rescue rememdy. I get it at the health food store. It keeps mine from rearranging the furniture.
2006-09-05 12:30:24 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋