| Although there are only theories of the causes | | | | dog. |
| behind dog noise phobia, certain breeds seem to | | | | It is very important that you do not "reward" or |
| be more likely to show the signs. It can affect all | | | | encourage your dog's behavior during one of |
| pets, but the range of severity differs between | | | | these episodes by giving too much attention to |
| animals. Dog noise phobia becomes a serious | | | | him. Act normal for your dog's sake, giving him |
| problem when the fear or panic creates a harmful | | | | the indication that all is just fine, even with the |
| situation to your dog or to your property. Some | | | | noise. As an owner of a dog with noise phobia, I |
| dogs stuff themselves into small, tight places or | | | | know how easy it is to want to comfort your |
| will do anything they can to escape from the | | | | animal, but doing so will enforce his thought that |
| noise that is scaring them, such as jumping the | | | | the noise is something to definitely be afraid of. |
| fence in your backyard. In some extreme cases, | | | | Under no circumstances should you punish your |
| dogs have been known to crash through glass | | | | dog for being scared. This will only cause more |
| windows in a frantic effort to escape. | | | | anxiety, adding to the problem. |
| There is no real cure for dog noise phobia but you | | | | If your dog has severe reactions that may cause |
| can help your dog through behavior modification. | | | | him injury or may cause damage to property, |
| One of the first things you should do for your | | | | you may need to consult your veterinarian about |
| dog is provide for them a "safe" place to go | | | | treatment options. Your veterinarian can give you |
| during a thunderstorm, a Fourth Of July or New | | | | other suggestions for making changes in your |
| Year celebration, when the garbage man makes | | | | home, or may prescribe medication, depending on |
| his rounds, etc. Having a place to go such as a | | | | the severity. Another good resource available to |
| dog crate or an open closet might make your | | | | dog owners is a pet behaviorist. They have |
| dog feel more secure and can help curb some of | | | | experience using special techniques that can help |
| the fear reactions to the noise. Changing your | | | | to change responses to dog noise phobia. |
| dog's environment by closing doors or windows to | | | | Helping your dog cope with noise phobia takes |
| filter out some of the noise may be helpful. Try | | | | patience and understanding but is possible, no |
| running a fan or playing the stereo. Normal, | | | | matter how bad it seems. |
| soothing background noise can help to calm your | | | | |