by Ciara Edmunds

Created on: December 04, 2009

To a pet owner, seeing his or her dog act out due to a loud noise can be heart wrenching. Different factors can be the cause; some dogs aren't used to the sound, others are just born with the fear, and the most common case is that the dog may have a bad associative memory to the noise. A dogs reaction to his noise phobia, also known as Ligyrophobia, can range anywhere from simply pacing and panting to destructive behavior and hysteria. Some owners make the mistake of trying to calm their panicked dog with soothing words and positive attention; do not do this, dogs do not understand what you are saying and they only hear your tone so your soft soothing words are translated into your consent to continue their behavior.

There are ways you can help your dog get past their fear of loud noises the first is distraction training and the other is a desensitization process. Since there are many situations where a dog will have to encounter loud noises (i.e. veterinary office, going on walks etc.) helping your dog through this fear will allow you and your dog to live a more stress free life. When using these techniques you must remember that teaching a dog anything can take time so you must exercise your patience.

Desensitization Process

A desensitization process is the process in which you gradually get your dog to be accustomed to the different noises he is afraid of by gradually raising the volume of the feared sound overtime. You should have an area where your dog is comfortable and make sure that it is safe; you're not sure what your dog might do when it is being exposed to its own fear. The best way you can do this is by purchasing a CD of sound effects such as a nature soundtrack with thunderstorms. When first starting out play the sound at its lowest (so low that you can barely hear it), at this volume you will not get a hectic response from your dog. Over the course of weeks, and for some dogs months, you will gradually add volume to the sound but in small increments so little that the dog will barely notice. Some dogs will take longer then others so remain patient and together you and your dog can get through this fear.

Distraction Training

Distraction training is when you first teach your dog new tricks and games then you try exposing him to a loud noise while he's performing tricks or enjoying a game. Teach your dog quick tricks that take concentration, one as simple as placing a cookie your dog's nose and then on your command letting him catch it in his mouth will do or you can try something a little more complicated like weaving: where you weave the treat through and around your legs as your dog follows your hand. Dogs also love to play games, if you have large room (that's safe) or are doing the exercise outside you should try fetch; if you're using a ball make sure that it is small enough to fit in your dog's mouth comfortably but not small enough to swallow. You can also try a hide and seek game, just like the human version you go hide and call "find" when you're ready, when first teaching this game keep it simple; try hiding behind a chair or a door. When the dog finds you get as excited as you can and reward them with a treat. Before you try to add noise to the equation make sure that your dog is highly skilled at these feats and that he's comfortable, so that when the noise is played he is so distracted by the fun that he hardly notices.

These tips are designs for you and your dog to live a safer and simpler life, they take time and patience so don't give if takes some time. Some dogs take longer then other but eventually your dog will progress and they get past their fear of noises.

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