My dog is terrified of the lawnmower how can I rectify this?

Question

He s from a dogs trust and had a bad start in life,he has gained confidence in most things

Answer 1

You can desensitize her by exposing her to it so that she is as far away as possible, gradually, over weeks go a little closer. remain calm and unconcerned.

It may take months to go through all of this and if it is the running lawnmower she is afraid of, well she has sensitive ears and I can certainly understand why.

Again you can desensitize her but dont rush her and respect that her fears about the lawnmower may never be resolved and there are things that she knows and experiences that she can never tell you.

Answer 2

The best thing for the dog would be to hear the lawnmower from a distance and get lots of treats when he is calm. Stop the lawnmower. Wait and repeat. As the dog can tolerate it , bring the lawnmower closer, until the dog can see the mower and not get upset. It may take days, weeks or months to reach a calmness in the face of a mower.

I have used this method, with a slight variation, to acclimatize my three dogs to the garbage truck. Hearing the truck caused a bark riot. Now I have been giving them
treats when we hear the truck coming. It has taken months, but one doesn't care about the truck anymore. One barks to let me know that the truck is here, time for treats! The third still needs persuasion.

If you have someone else to run the mower, start feeding the dog treats prior to hearing the mower. See if he can stay relaxed when he hears it.

Answer 3

The suggestion of an obedience class is an excellent one. Read here https://tr.im/kZnns
It will help your dog learn to behave around other dogs, and help keep your training moving forward as you'll want to be prepared for the next class. Also, a good instructor can be a wonderful resource, someone to help you with any questions or concerns about your dog. Leash training can take a LOT of time and patience, depending upon the dog. I'm not sure what you mean by 'horrible on a leash' but my basic suggestion is that you take a lot of yummy treats with you on walks. When your dog behaves well on the leash (not pulling) praise her and give her treats. Change direction a lot so that she learns to pay attention to YOU and where you are going. It's also helpful to teach a "Watch Me" command such that whenever your dog looks at you you praise her and give her a treat. About chewing, yes a Kong is a great chew toy. Some dogs also like Nylabone brand bones. I suggest also teaching a "Leave It" command. You use this when she shows interest in chewing on something she shouldn't. Then immediately give her something she is allowed to chew, such as the Kong stuffed with somethig yummy. This same command will be helpful on walks when she wants to sniff or eat something she shouldn't. Again, when she does leave the item alone, be sure to give lots of praise. I would look into an obedience class right away. I think that you'll find that a good obedience class can help enormously! Good luck and enjoy your new dog.

Answer 4

Anytime there is a lawnmower outside being used, keep your dog inside. If she started out with a bad life, a lawnmower may have had been the case. She may have gotten hit by one even. Anytime she has to be around one act normal, and show her that it's not going to hurt her. After she has done a good job being courageous, praise her.

Answer 5

Hi,
My dog won't come into the garden when the lawn mower's on too. She doesn't like the noise in fact she doesn't like anything that's too loud or loud bangs. She's a content, happy dog so the lawn mower phobia doesn't really bother me. I just keep her in the house when we mow the lawn.
I think if your dog has had a bad start in life and he has gained confidence in most things, you've done really well. I'm glad your dog has found such a loving home.
Polly

Answer 6

My German shepherd is scared of our riding mower..it's not the mower it's the noise..people saying it's a good thing are crazy,( We don't allow our dogs out when the grass is being mowed.) Dakota shakes so bad she cam hardly walk..it's NOT a pretty thing. I have tried to put her in a room with no windows, turn a fan on to block out the noise..it doesn't work.. Is is just something we will have to live with. and mama will do the best I can ...to make her comfy..and I try not to mess with her while this is happening because I feel like I am "feeding" her fear.

Answer 7

I have to admit I think that fear of a lawn mower is a pretty good thing for a dog to have. That way if he is really afraid of it there is not chance that he might get injured. I would encourage your dog to keep a safe distance from it anyway!

For most dogs it is to noise that these machines make that they really dislike.

If you can put your dog in your house with a good chew toy or bone while you are mowing the lawn. That way you know he will be safe and you won't have to worry about him!

Answer 8

Dogs have very acute hearing. Bigger dogs usually react by barking at the lawnmower. Smaller dogs usually cower away.

If your dog cowers, just leave the dog in the house or some where away from the lawnmower noise.

Answer 9

We always put our dogs either in the house or confined in an area where we're not mowing. We don't want the dogs around the mower for their safety. (open gates, danger around the mower, weed eater etc.) If we're mowing the front yard, the dog goes in the back yard and vise versa. No need to traumatize the dog further. Kudos to you for opening your heart to a dog who needed you.
Good luck!
PS..we have had 2 rescue dogs and both have had trust issues. We try not to expose them to any more frightening things.

Answer 10

Why do you need to rectify it? He shouldn't be outside when your mowing the lawn anyway. If the mower blade hits a rock or something the rock can shoot out the side and seriously injure the dog.