I have two small Shih Tzu's --5 and 12 lbs. My husband started using a nail gun and both little boys hate the sound -- run when they hear it. Reo's (the little one ) heart feels like it's going to jump out of his chest. Then yesterday, I used the toaster and I then discovered that they both went running now from that sound. What can I do to help them adapt to the sound without having anymore fear?

I'd start off using something that made a very quiet 'popping' sound whilst acting very naturally, just to get them used to it.

Don't make a fuss of them when they get scared because it just increases their anxiety. Act as naturally as possible.

It really it something you need to sort out as soon as you can because when fireworks start going off you will be in big trouble.

I agree with you about the "quiet" pop sound to start off with. What's interesting is that Reo will play with a balloon and when it pops he has no reaction to the soundand neither does my other dog "Kobi" go running. My husband just used the toaster and told me Reo went running & hid behind the bed. We're not making a fuss over them when they hear the noise. So I'm not sure what else to try.

Interesting that the dog isn't bothered by the balloon.....

There is some form of association going on here, but I can't quite figure out what.

I could say that you could stop the dog access to his hiding place but that may result in panic.
What about making the dog hang around, and when the toaster pops give him a treat immediately?

Associate the sound he hates with something good.
Even if you popped the toaster and immediately put a small saucer of gravy or something onto the floor?

I think I'll try your suggestion. When using the toaster --- I'm going to have Reo right by my side and give him a treat. Maybe that will change his mind that the sound isn't so bad!!!!!! I'll let you know the results within the next few days!!!!!!

Those are some very good suggestions... I'd like to know how your dogs do with the treat idea.

i'M AT MY WITS END!!! I'VE TRIED THE TREAT IDEA A NUMBER OF TIMES THE LAST FEW DAYS!!! EVEN USED THE CLICKER WHEN I PUSHED DOWN THE TOASTER BUTTON AND GOT HIM TO STAY, CLICKED AND GAVE HIM A TREAT.U]FORGOT TO MENTION THAT BOTH MY DOGS HAVE BEEN TRAINED WITH A CLICKER-- SIT, STAY, DOWN, TRICKS(PAW, HIGH FIVE ETC.)[/U] IF ANYTHING, HE MIGHT BE GETTING MORE FRIGHTENED. HE WON'T COME, AND WENT INTO THE GARAGE AND WOULDN'T COME OUT. HE'S ALWAYS FOLLOWED ME INTO THE GARAGE AND WHEN I CALL HIM ;"TIME TO GO INSIDE " FOLLOWS WITH NO PROBLEM. [

Do you have children? grandchildren? neighborhood kids with access to the dogs? An open backyard?
This sounds like its a new problem..or are they new dogs?
Are they still responding to the clicking?


This is an excerpt from a website, it wouldn't let me post the web address so I'll just copy and paste. theres a chance a different method may word..I know calming my dogs down works better than ignoring them when their acting irrationally Some dogs just react different....

it's worth a try! Good luck hun

________________________ NKU Edu website_____________________

A dog's behavior around loud noises can vary. There are dogs that will find hiding spots and hide until the noise is over. There are dogs that will bark uncontrollably. Some dogs will not leave their owners side or even try to cling to their owner.

Most dogs watch and see how their owners react in different situations. If a dog sees its owner acting uneasy during a thunderstorm, more than likely the dog will pick up on these cues and become afraid of thunder.

If your dog is home all alone and a thunderstorm occurs, your dog might get worked up and become nervous. No one is there to calm the dog down.

If something traumatic happens to the dog, which is associated with a loud noise, the dog will probably become afraid of loud noises. Some examples might be the sound of a gun shot or fireworks.

Has your dog become extremely nervous or agitated when surrounded by loud noises? Has the Fourth of July lost all its meaning because your dog goes crazy at the sound of fireworks? Don’t fret because you are not alone. Many dogs suffer phobias of loud noises. There are many reasons dogs are afraid of these loud noises and many reasons to help cure your dog of its phobia.

If your dog becomes agitated during a thunderstorm or during a fireworks show, bring out your dog's favorite treats and toys. Play with your dog because this will help desensitize the dog to loud noise like thunder. Do this many times and your dog shouldn’t be bothered by the loud noises anymore, and you can enjoy the Fourth of July once again.

You can also train your dog to respond differently to the loud noises. Get a pop gun or something that you can use to make a loud noise. Use the pop gun, if your dog goes crazy, calm them down. Do this a many times and reward the dog with yummy treats for every time he or she stays calm after you fire off the gun. The dog should eventually get used to the loud noise and not cause a commotion.

If your dog goes crazy and is scared of the loud noises, do NOT tell your dog it will be okay. It sounds pretty harsh, but the dog will think that it is okay to act crazy every time there is a loud noise. If you excessively pet your dog and tell them that they will be okay, it is more than likely your dog will be afraid of the noises and go crazy to get attention from you.

Another great method to calming a dog down is yawning. It may sound a little odd, but if you turn your head away from your dog and yawn continually for five to thirty minutes, your dog will become more relaxed and calm down. A dog uses yawning as a calming method for himself or herself, so if your dog sees you yawning during these loud scary noises, he or she knows that you aren’t afraid and that they shouldn’t be afraid either.

Make sure to keep your dog occupied during thunderstorms or when fireworks go off. Try not to show fear of loud noise yourself or your dog will pick up on your body cues and do be afraid themselves. This advice should help you and your dog get through thunderstorms, fireworks, or other loud noise that troubles your dog.

Thanks LUVmymutt,

THis is just a new issue that has come up within the last 10 days!!! He is getting more spooked about everything. I think if he could get out away from the house he would run!!!!! I loved the part of the article you sent. Will try some of those suggestions. I also found info online suggesting desensitization--using a CD. I liked your article using the pop gun. Thanks so much. I'm also going to try some flower essences. If none of this works, I think I'm going to need a professional animal behavorist.

I heard orange blossom mixed with lavender is very good for calming using scents You can usually get the essential oils from some naturalistic or holistic stores. Also online or ebay

Is there a chance that some kids may have harmed him or scared him while he was in your back yard playing that you may not have seen? Sometimes dogs are set off by little things and it takes them awhile to recover. Good luck dear!

I'm just wondering here if your own anxieties are being passed onto the dog.

You sound very stressed about the whole thing and I would like to bet he's picking up on it.

I once had a vehicle that I hated (for a very good reason) but I was very nervous about driving it. My dog has always been a brilliant traveller, but I used to have to literally pick him up and stuff him into that one. One day he even leapt out and ran across a busy road.

I was sure he was picking up on my own anxiety and when I changed the vehicle he was back to his own calm, relaxed self.

Get a behavourist in on this one. She will be able to assess the behaviour of both of you and give you a little direction.