Help.  My dog is getting increasingly nervous with noise.  I am dreading firework season in a few weeks.  We have clay pidgeon shooting near us and he wont even go out in the garden.  He is a big dog so when in this state I cannot move him.  He is the same with thunder storms, fireworks and anything loud. He trembles, shakes and refuses to move.  I tried a sound cd but he seems to know that that is not for real.  Has anyone got any ideas??

Hi Trisha,

you could try some of the DAP products in conjunction with some natural remedies.  DAP plug ins are useful if your lad is in a contained area and there are collars and sprays available too which are best for outdoors and travel.  Shop about on-line as prices vary quite a bit.  Canine Natural Cures and also Dorwest Herbs are both very helpful and have a range of products which might help take the edge off your lad.

It's not easy with a sound sensitive dog but if you can calm him a little you might then be able to work on positive training during spells of gunshot and thunder for example.

Don't over fuss him - try and let him see that you're not concerned about noises, especially high velocity types that startle more than others.  Unfortunately the price of our bond is they are all too quick to pick up on negative signals from us so hard though it is try not to molly-coddle him.

HTH, Teri

Try pairing the noises with a toy or a food treat. I do this with my girl out on walks if we hear a loud bang and now she always turns to me immediately for her toy to be thrown.

It makes it a signal of fun rather than a bad thing. However i appreciate it's hard when the dog is perhaps too stressed to eat/play. My girl was nervous but able to respond.

Try this site for more info re vibrations etc:

http://www.dog-secrets.co.uk/behaviour-training/dogs-and-fireworks.html scroll towards the end and it is under Other parts of the composite Stimulus.

Also as Teri suggested, do try a DAP and natural remedies, plus give a safe area to "run" to such as a covered crate, preferably if possible situated near to the DAP.

If it gets worse, the dog can start to generalise the noise phobia to all sorts of noises to the point where they are really affected and too scared to go out even when there are no bangs, so if you cannot get this to improve, do get in touch with areputable behaviourist, here:

http://www.apbc.org.uk/

Good luck :)

Soft latex ear plugs will deaden the noise of the worst of the fireworks, they are safe if you remember to take them out!

Dont worry about the dog accidently eating them - they are inert and pass straight through - I should know my husband sometimes uses them ( we snore - me and my dogs apparently) and if one naughty dog eats one I find the fluorescent plug in the garden.