Fear of Thunderstorms, Fireworks and Loud Noises
Fear of thunder and other loud noises may be instinctive in many
animals, driving them to seek immediate shelter. In their attempts
to escape to apparent safety, pets may damage property and injure
themselves. Dogs, in particular, may scratch, chew, jump over
or even throw themselves through barriers to reach a place of
refuge. In response to a sudden and loud noise, the startled pet
may injure anyone trying to hold it back. Pets can be trained
to not panic during thunderstorms by exposing the pet to recordings
of the noise at low volume. Through a process called progressive
desensitization, a pet slowly learns a more desirable response
to thunderstorms and other loud noises. Commercial recordings
of thunderstorms are available through music stores. The desensitization
process must be gradual to be effective.
Begin by reviewing basic obedience skills, such as "sit/stay"
and "down/stay." Train your pet to sit or lie down in
a secure place, such as in a comfortable corner of the living
room or on a rug in your bedroom. Once your pet responds readily
to commands in this quiet situation, you are ready to begin playing
the recording of the thunderstorm or other noise, at very low
volume. Begin at a volume that is barely audible to you, remembering
that your dog's ears are far more sensitive than normal human
hearing. While the recording is playing, review the obedience
skills at the special location you have chosen. This will teach
your dog to feel safe in a secure place during a storm and it
may become less anxious about other threatening noises. Give generous
praise and calm reassurance. You may wish to give a small food
treat as the volume of the recording is increased in each training
session. Each training session should initially be brief, perhaps
less than 5 minutes. Eventually, you can increase each session
up to 30 minutes long. The recording may then be played independently
of actual training sessions. For example, you can play the recording
during your pet's regular mealtimes or during playtime. Also,
gradually increase the volume of the recording. Medication to
relieve your pet's anxiety may be helpful during the desensitization
procedure.
Using sensitive recording equipment and high-quality tapes, you
can record other noises that frighten your pet, such as fireworks,
gunshots or automobile backfiring. The recordings may then be
used as described above.