Halloween related
Noises Reducing Fear in dogs
In order to reduce the fear displayed by your dog towards the noise of fireworks, the most effective long-term approach is to carry out a combination of counter conditioning and desensitisation to the noise of fireworks. Do not expect rapid progress as fear- related problems are slow to respond to treatment.
In order to overcome your dog’s fear of certain noises, it will be necessary to expose him on a very gradual basis to these noises but far enough away from them that he does not enter into the fear state. By arranging for something pleasant to happen for your dog simultaneously, he will come to associate these noises with pleasant emotions. It is vital to progress slowly, and if your dog shows fear at any stage, you should return to the previous stage and spend longer at it.
1. Each day, on several occasions, if possible, play a recording of the fear-inducing noises (fireworks), but at a low enough volume that your dog is still relaxed. While the recording is being played, feed your dog or arrange for something else that he enjoys to occur (such as a game).
2. Repeat this as often as possible, progressing gradually to increasing the volume of the recording. Divide your dog’s feed into 2 or 3 meals to allow more frequent sessions to be carried out.
3. Only progress to the next stage when your dog shows relaxation at the previous stage
4. If your dog shows fearful behaviour at any stage, do not give him any attention (in the form of reassurance) while he is performing that behaviour but immediately go back to an earlier stage in your training schedule and spend more time at that.
5. Allow your dog into whatever ‘safe place’ he chooses if you can.
6. Over the coming weeks, keep the radio / TV on during the day while you are absent, and especially in evening time, and keep windows closed, to try to mask the noises of fireworks as far as possible.
7. An Adaptil collar or diffuser, available through your vet, will help most dogs by reducing nervousness levels during Halloween.
8. If your dog does not respond to the above measures sufficiently to reduce his anxiety levels during Halloween, it may be necessary to use a medication (a sedative) to help your dog cope during the few days leading up to and immediately following Halloween.
9. If your dog is retaining urine for very lengthy periods because he is too frightened to go outside after dark, it may be wise to leave down some newspaper or other soft substrate on which your dog can urinate, if necessary, to avoid potential kidney damage.
10. Teach your dog to go ‘into bed’ on command, and when he is carrying out a nervous behaviour (such as sitting trembling inside the front door) ask him to carry out another alternative behaviour such as ‘into bed’, ‘lie down’ and ‘stay’. In some cases, asking for an alternative behaviour can take the dog’s mind off the issue that is causing the nervousness.
11. Tire your dog out with walks during the daylight hours over the coming weeks, to increase his tiredness levels, and the likelihood of his relaxing and sleeping in the evening time.