Dogs

» u7i2gether - behavior

i have a large mixed breed dog. he goes absouletly crazy tearing down walls and panting extremly heavy when there are loud noises. i don't know what to do anymore. the sedatives don't work, turning up the volume on the radio dosen't work, finding him a quiet dark spot to rest dosen't work. i have been told to go to a dog shrink, but i can't afford that. besides, i think that is silly. do dogs really need a shrink? anyway, i love my dog and i don't want to put him down or give him to a shelter. if anyone has advice for me, i am all ears.

-- posted by u7i2gether

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» Joy Butler - behavior

In response to behavior posted by u7i2gether:

Sounds like your dog has an extreme case of noise fright. Poor thing. Usually an animal behaviorist can work wonders for a dog with problems but if you can't afford that, desensitization can possibly be of help. This is where you expose your dog to noises at a very low volume or at a distance, all the while feeding him a very special treat, playing with him, or otherwise doing something he really loves. The noises are very slowly increased or moved closer, over a period of weeks. This process must be done very slowly and practiced a couple of times daily, and if the dog, at any time, shows fright, you must go back to the level at which he was comfortable. The goal is to have your dog eventually associate the noises with good things.

This may work with some noises and not with others, such as a thunderstorm. You may just have to provide him with a safe place where he can't hurt anything, soothe him as best you can, maybe try a massage, and just let him ride it out.

Also, your vet or sometimes a dog trainer or a shelter worker may have some good advice to offer.

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» tonyrobin - behavior

In response to behavior posted by u7i2gether:

I can understand your problem with your dog. At this time of the year we have this stupid idea of letting off fireworks. It proves only one thing, and that is the people why organise these senseless exibitions are thoughtless and callous. Dogs are wonderful companions far more intelligent than us humans, with a sense of hearing and fealing far beyond what we have, and so they are able to hear and feel bangs from far far away. What more can I say, other to try and keep the animal as calm as possible, perhaps have the TV on or play music louder than normal when to time comes. That is what I will be doing this NewYears eve, God help that it will work.
George

-- posted by tonyrobin

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