It is common for dogs to be afraid of loud noises, with varying degrees of fear among individuals. Dr. Karen Overall's protocol can be a helpful guide for comforting scared pups.
What to Avoid When Fearful Behavior Occurs:
1. Do not pet the dog in a comforting manner. Petting can inadvertently reward anxious behavior.
2. Avoid using reassuring language with the dog. Positive words can unintentionally reinforce anxiety.
3. Do not confine the dog to a restricted area, such as a crate or a specific room. Feeling trapped can escalate the dog's panic.
What to Do:
1. Observe where the dog usually relaxes and create a quiet, dark environment. For example, if the dog enjoys sleeping in a crate, cover it with a blanket. If the dog prefers sleeping in the bedroom, close the curtains and turn off the lights to create a sleep-friendly atmosphere.
2. Quietly stay with the dog without speaking.
3. Provide gentle, continuous pressure to the dog, such as leaning against the dog while taking deep breaths or placing your arm on the dog. However, refrain from doing so if the dog appears more anxious.
4. Offer a sense of wrapping, using products like bathrobe, or wrapping a stretchy scarf around the dog's body. Tight wrapping may not work for every dog but is worth a try.
5. Reduce the dog's sensory input, such as using an eye mask to cover vision or ear muffs to block out noise. If the dog is not accustomed to wearing these items, do not force them. Instead, try alternative methods like closing blackout curtains or moving to a windowless room like a closet or bathroom. Playing loud TV or music can help mask external noises, making them less noticeable to the dog.
In conclusion, observe what conditions help the dog relax normally and try to recreate those conditions as much as possible to aid in relaxation. Do not attempt to make the dog conquer its fear.
For regular behavior training, if the dog has not developed a fear of loud noises, gradually introduce noises during training sessions to desensitize the dog.
