Why does my dog "freak out" when we spray an air freshener in an aerosol can or make a similiar sound?

Question

Our dog is a female Queensland Heeler and she is 3 years old. Whenever we hold up a can that even resembles an air freshener aerosol can (i.e. hairspray, PAM, flashlight, etc.) then she goes into freak mode, she bites at the can. Does she hate the noise or does she enjoy it? What can we do? She is the most loving dog and we hate that she acts this way. Please help or else we might have to call the Dog Whisperer!!!!!

It's definitely not the smell, it's the sound. When we even make a noise close to that of the air freshener (the "chchch" sound). As we are writing this and trying to spell out how this particular noise sounds, she heard us from the other room and attacked the Molly McButter container on the counter!

Answer 1

Why don't you quit teasing her with the spray can? She knows that you are destroying the ozone with each spray of the can and it bugs the heck out of her.

Answer 2

Please don't "call the dog whisperer" if you want to actually solve the problem.
You could stop worrying the dog, and stop holding up cans to see what she'll do. She's answered that question for you, right? It does not sound like a positive thing - especially if you cannot tell if she's playing.
Give her a break from having to freak out. Then, associate any can or related object with diced chicken being thrown at her head. Have the can on the counter, touch the can, throw chicken at her. Repeat.
Please be fair to your dog. Heelers are pretty resilient, but I'd be cautious about scaring your dog repeatedly. I hope I'm wrong in reading your question that way. Thanks.

Answer 3

Some dogs have fears or are sensitive to things. In some cases, a dog may be 'noise sensitive' which includes ANYTHING from a sudden thump of your foot, to fireworks. Don't purposely make loud noises, but don't stop your daily life. Make sure the dog can't hide (by closing all bedroom doors) and when you make that noise, give them a treat or a simple pat on the stomach!! You don't force a fear out of them, it takes time.

I'm dealing with a dog that was abused and abandoned, her fears are strong and the last thing I was told to do was FORCE her to get over things. Everything takes a lot of time and patience.

Good luck.

Answer 4

This is so funny. My stepdaughter has a Boxer/Great Dane mix at 110 lbs that is mostly out of control, he jumps on everyone that comes to the house. All she has to do is pick a spray can and threaten the dog and he lays down and is docile as can be. She does not have to spray the can.

Answer 5

This breed is highly intelligent.. its clear that either she is concerned about the harm aerosol sprays do to the ozone, or is concerned about the high risks of cancer associated with any chemical sprays...

good for her.. she is trying to tell you something!!!

(by the way some air "freshener" sprays dont actually freshen the air they contain chemicals which deaden the nerve endings in your nose....)

Answer 6

I've done it the other way around. Never used Air Freshener as Deodorant though.

Answer 7

Air freshner is not healthy for humans or pets. It's not good for an animal that has 100 times as much sensitivity to smell.

I'm sure the poor creature has been conditioned to attack anything resembling an air freshner.

For the health of your pet, please discontinue the use of air freshner.

Answer 8

I'm interested in this as well

Answer 9

haha its just the noise she probly doesnt like it my dog rolls around like crazy all over the floor when we do it even if we just make the sound

Answer 10

This is a new one to me. It might be the smell that over whelms her. I got nothing else guess you'll have to call Cesar.