Fear of Noise

[SueMcGauley]

Hi and Happy New Year! Bella will be 5 months old this week and is very frightened of most loud noises. She is ok with the vacuum and blow dryer but extremely frightened of trucks, construction noises, motorcycles etc. I have worked really hard at socializing and have brought her to shopping centers, into stores and everywhere that I can think of. I have purchased on line a canine noise therapy disk that I play.......I live in an area where there is always alot of construction ie: hammering or public works noises, garbage trucks etc. Today on our way to the park we encountered a man with a nail gun (in his yard doing repairs) and the sound scared Bella, she turned and tried to bolt in the direction back home. I was able to get her to sit and eat treats and then continue our walk until we encountered a DPW truck with a woodchipper. All bets were off, she turned tail between her legs and used her full weight to pull towards home - I tried laughing, treats, getting her to sit and watch from afar, nothing worked and finally physically unable to restrain her or to go in the original direction (past the truck) I turned and took her home. I did my best to make her walk home on loose leash as opposed to bolting, but I'd say it was 50/50 and her relief was obvious when we arrived home. I'm at a loss. I am not cajoling or trying to reassure her...what do I do? --Sue

[jocomoreno]

Sounds like to much stimulating noises at one time for her. Shes probably overwhelmed by so much going on at one time. My suggestion would be build a strong obedience foundation with her and then work her through obedience at a distance just below where she reacts to the noises. When she appears able to handle the noises you can incrementally move forward. Having her work at a distance that is drawing a fearful reaction means youre to close; take a step back. Make sure you praise all good reactions to the stimuli.
its important you desensitize her to these noises ASAP. Itll only get more and more difficult the longer you wait.

But thats just my opinion. GOOD LUCK

[SueMcGauley]

Thanks or your reply, puppy is defiantly goi g thru a very fearful phase as since my last post she has reacted fearfully to many things that have not bothered her before and is also a bit more wary with new people. In the last 3 days she has also lost 3 teeth - kinder if that might be adding to her stress.

[jocomoreno]

I dont think teething would add to her stress. But, Teresa is a vet science major though she would know for sure.

Since the imprinting phase has come and gone, and the fearful behaviors are instilled I would work on solidifying the obedience in a distraction free environment. Then start the slow process of desensitizing. Remember to go slow. Work the obedience from a distance far enough to keep her from reacting and gradually work closer and closer to the distractions/stimuli. If she reacts fearfully, be patient, go slower, and further the distance a bit until she is comfortable and working through the obedience calmly. Start socializing and recreating her associations with people and make them positive positive positive. Shes still a pup so the sooner you tackle this issue the easier itll be.

Again, im not, foundation certified so thats just my two cents as a supporter of the style

[Teresa]

Good advice Jose.
Sounds like she is going through her second fear period. Try to keep her environment somewhat stable for the next week or so until this passes ( don't try to introduce her to new people/ places). Remember no coddling. Keep a happy tone to your voice.
I don't think teething would cause this but I can see where it could make her a little uncomfortable.
Keep really yummy or fun things at hand to countercondition her in an unexpected situation while creating distAnce.
.

[SueMcGauley]

So forvthe next two wks are you saying not to try to walk the street?

[jocomoreno]

Walk some streets that are more quiet. Present noises to her in a controlled environment, one at a time. Walking her in an area with all sorts of stimuli is only going to overwhelm her. Walk her on a quiet street and start working obedience. Itll build her confidence, build her trust in you, and itll give you more control when it comes time to start desensitizing. For example; walk her on a quiet street and when you get to a point where you are comfortable with her obedience start presenting her with sounds she would typically be afraid of. Have her sit while a car honks its horn from 25 yards away; then slowly move closer when you see she is becoming more comfortable. Then when youre done with that exercise have her sit or down while a car honks its horn AND cars are passing by from about 25 yards away (remember 25 yards is just an example. Work with whatever distance is necessary for her) and use obedience to help her overcome her fears.

[SueMcGauley]

Ok I see. Yesterday morning sh didn't even want to leave the driveway. I waited until after school buses were done and public services and had her walk about two blocks. The same 2 blocks we walked and enjoyed for 2 months until she suddenly became afraid to. I rained liver treats on her the entire 2 blocks, at first she tried to turn to go home but the treats became a motivator. We did encounter a loud truck a block away which captured her attention but I had her do sits and treats while watching it from afar. Very hard finding quiet streets where I live unless I drive to the park which will do nothing to help desensitize her.

[jocomoreno]

Sounds like a good start! Keep that up. That was a successful walk it sounds like.