Stopping Loud Noise Anxiety

anxiety, desensitization, fear, loud, sounds, thunder - By Staff Writer on Wednesday, October 13, 2010 - 15:08

If you think your dogs anxiety level around loud sounds is above average, she is trying to claw her way out of a 4th floor window at the first clap of thunder, than you need to take action quickly.  If you have a puppy or a new dog and are unsure of your dogs level of anxiety you can also follow the below steps to cut off the fear before it starts. 

Prepare For The Unexpected
While you obviously can't predict the future, try to plan for things that are within a normal realm of possibilities.  If you are going to a fireworks show make sure your bring your dogs leash or leave them at home.  If you live in the city and walk your dog, no matter how well trained they are, keep a leash on them in case a car backfires or there is a crash.  If you have a dog that is terrified of storms keep an eye on the weather channel.  While these seem so simple and obvious, being even a little prepared in the event something unexpected happens could save your dog's life and her sanity.

Crate Training
Start crate training ASAP.  Any dog with fear should have a safety zone in the form of a crate.  follow our guide for Crate Training The Easy Way and give your dog their one space.  When the loud sounds come they will have a place to hide in and will feel safer.  This will minimize the likelihood that they try to jump out an open window.

Wraps
Wrapping your dog is a great way to lower anxiety and make your dog feel more confident.  The compression on their chest and neck acts to make them feel more secure.  Some companies like Thundershirt make wraps for your dog for around $40.00 but you can simply use a tight fitting tee shirt on your dog, or use an ace bandage to create a wrap for them.  Make sure you never cut off circulation or your dogs ability to breath and watch your dog with the wrap so it does not get caught on anything.

Distraction
If you know a storm is about to start and you know your dog might get nervous, start to distract your dog at first sign of lightning before things get loud.  Play a game of tug or give your dog some treat toys.  This will work to keep your dogs anxiety down and give them an outlet.  If your dog becomes too frightened to play you can simply let them go to their crate.

Desensitization
The more your dog has experience with the better.  As owners we try to introduce almost everything we can think of into our dogs life to socialize and desensitize them.  While most things are easy to find like cars, creating a thunder storm while your puppy is under 12 weeks is not going to happen.  For things like this you can use recorded sounds of the real thing to desensitize your pup. 

Start by playing the sounds softly while they are calm and slowly increase the volume.  Over time they will become used to the sounds and it will not affect them.  This also works with dogs that have already developed the fear, if you keep them calm and secure, eventually the sound will not bother them at all.

Behaviorist  
If your dogs behavior is just not manageable and you are afraid they will injure themselves in a storm, you need to seek help.  Veterinarians can prescribe pills to that can help calm your dog during storms or fireworks.  We are not pill pushers but if your dog is just way too afraid it might be the best route.  Your vet can also recommend a local behaviorist that will help you work with your dog to get over some of the issues.

The key is to start working on these things before your dog develops a fear of loud sounds.  If your dog has already developed it there is still hope.  A dog with a developed fear can change it just takes longer.  Start now so that you and your dog are ready for the next storm.