02.11.2019

Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. Fear of Noises & Guy Fawkes Part Two.

Fear of Noises, Guy Fawkes Prep. Part Two -
- You must be the strong one.
Don’t act worried about the loud bangs and squeals outside for your dog and don’t cuddle or coddle them as this can inadvertently be seen as praise for their fearful behaviour.
Refer to ‘Part One’ re helpful training tasks.

- D.A.P. (Dog Appeasing Pheromone)
This is available in different branded products – one being Adaptil from vets and some pet stores. This can be used to reduce anxiety from any source. Dog Appeasing Pheromone is a calming chemical. It is a synthetic version of a pheromone that is produced from the skin of the dog’s mammary glands. It is aimed to be reminiscent of the security of the mother when the dog was a pup. Use constantly, not ‘as needed’.

- I’ve had many clients rave about the Thunderband/Thundershirt - this is a type of vest for your dog that is stimulating acupressure points and also the idea being that a constant gentle ‘hug’ can calm an anxious pet’s nervous system (a hug is chemically rewarding). On a hot day you can soak the Thundershirt in water and put on. The Thunderband/Thundershirt can be bought at most pet stores and some vet clinics.

- Provide a small area, a covered crate if your dog is accustomed to this, for your dog during stressful periods. This area will help make them feel more secure (it is den-like), Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend.