Train dog to be comfortable with scary noises
We have a dog that is afraid of certain common noises. When she hears a scary noise in the middle of a walk, she drops to the ground, rolls on her back and refuses to move. We have tried reassuring her, offering treats and other strategies. Nothing works short of turning around and going home quickly. Do you have any suggestions as to how we should handle this?
Addressing noise issues is a simple process. Dogs are exposed to the scary sound at a level they can handle. The owner then reaches for and gives a high-value food item. After a break, the exercise is repeated until a positive association forms. Intensity is increased when the dog demonstrates it can handle more.
This simple process is prone to execution errors. By following these rules, owners avoid common pitfalls: Begin by making a list of sounds that scare the dog. A clear understanding of the problem is paramount if owners wish to reach their goals.
Keep the dog under threshold. Only place the dog into situations it can handle. If a dog refuses food, it’s at too difficult a level. Adjust by making the exercise easier.
Avoid avoidance. Many dogs learn to escape and avoid uncomfortable situations. For example, they realize that lying on the ground is the fastest way to get home. Relief is the “reward.” This does not mean dogs should tough it out. It is another reason to work under threshold. The dog faces its demons in manageable doses instead of fleeing from them.
Use high-value food such as meat or cheese. The value of the food transfers to the noise creating a positive association. Better food means a stronger, more positive association.
Do not look for good behaviour. The dog does not need to do anything. It is an unconditional association. Noises predict good things regardless of what the dog is doing.
Let obedience fall to the wayside temporarily. When dogs receive treats for a plethora of situations, it muddies the water. The dog fails to recognize that the noise is relevant because too many other exercises are happening simultaneously. Keep it simple and keep it clean. Noises mean meat.
See a veterinarian for prescription medication when a dog’s fears are too overwhelming to provide under threshold learning. There is far too much stigma and shame tied to medication use.
Used in conjunction with behaviour modification, medication can offer families the edge they need to start making progress.
Reach out for assistance. Hire a competent professional. Coaching is well worth the investment. Join online groups such as “Fearful Dogs” on Facebook. This excellent group focuses on evidence-based practice for fearful dogs. Our dog begs for food near the dinner table. We have been rewarding him for leaving food alone. Now we have a dog that stares and drools while we eat dinner. How can we stop this?
Chances are the dog has been rewarded near the table. Unfortunately, you get exactly what you reinforce. There is no incentive for the dog to leave the table when they obtain tasty treats near it.
Instead, reward dogs in the place you want them to be. Toss the treat over to a mat that is away from the table. With repetition, the dog will start lingering near the mat instead of next to the dinner table.
Once the dog starts to hover near the mat, ask more of them. Have them stay on the mat for progressively longer periods. Eventually switch to a chew bone so the dog can enjoy their bone while owners enjoy their dinner. Yvette Van Veen is an animal behaviour consultant. Write her at advice@awesomedogs.ca