Loud bangs

[johobb]

How do we stop our dog being afraid of loud noises, at the moment it has got that bad that he doesn't want to go for walks anymore?

[lankeela]

Ask your vet about DAP - you can get your dog used to noises like fireworks or gunshot or thunder.

[snook]

He's already nervous so obviously you've got to be very careful, but I think I'd introduce him to what he's afraid of, but in a controlled and 'safe' way. Get a friend to work with you, and you be playing with the dog and keeping him happy, then the friend makes the noise (he barges in the room loudly, drops a pan lid or something, maybe bangs on a table) and you reassure the dog immediately and all the while act like nothing's happened, so he gets the idea everything's really okay.

Obviously start with some not-very-loud bangs (don't want to shock or upset him), and have your friend repeat the process several times at irregular intervals. And don't do it too much on Day One, maybe just for ten or fifteen minutes. Then, do something similar on a second and a third day, or as much as is needed. Probably won't be much, since dogs are quick learners. And preferably use different people, if possible, so he doesn't associate it with just that one person. And make sure you use different noises, for the same reason.

The police do something along these lines when training dogs (and horses) to ignore loud and sudden noises.

[lankeela]

Sorry, should have given more info - DAP stands for Dog Appeasing Pheromones - try 'googling' this and you will get full details of the plug-in diffuser which releases the pheromones (like an air freshener) and also sprays which do the same job.

These imitate those given off by the bitch when the puppy is very young and has a calming effect onthe dog.

[drgnrdr]

Check out http://www.ddfl.org/behavior/fear-thunder.pdf