How do I make my dog less reactive to noise?
Delaney Kautzer
2025-06-28 21:22:02
Count answers
: 7
I’ve tried to start desensitizing and counter-conditioning many times, but it feels like there’s no volume where he acknowledges it and will still take a treat. Either the noise is too quiet for him to register it, or it’s over his threshold for him to be able to cope.
Ollie Nikolaus
2025-06-16 13:50:25
Count answers
: 11
Desensitising your dog to loud noises is a good way to keep them calm in situations that may otherwise make them anxious. By gradually desensitising your dog to loud noises over a period of time, you can teach them to associate these sounds with something positive, instead of something to be scared of. Before you start, you will need to buy or stream some related sound effects or noises, such as fireworks, and have some way of playing them out loud. It’s important that the training is done with your dog indoors, away from distractions, and make sure your dog can easily leave the room if they want to. To begin with, get your dog settled in the room and play the sounds they are least scared of at the lowest possible volume. Increase the volume very, very slowly, until you see the first signs that your dog is reacting to the noise. Once your dog starts to react, leave the sounds at that volume for a few minutes to let them get used to it. Play the sounds at this low level for 5-10 minutes, 3-4 times a day. Once your dog has stopped responding to the noise, you can turn the volume up slightly, until they begin to respond again. Building a positive association between your dog and loud noises Once your dog’s been desensitised to the sounds, you can start to build a positive association between your dog and loud noises, such as fireworks. As soon as you hear the sounds give your dog their food or start to play with them. Eventually your dog will begin to associate the sounds with something enjoyable like eating or playing, and it will be much easier to keep them calm in noisy situations.
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