About 2 weeks ago, I brought my llaso apso, Max, to the groomer and he was shaved down almost completely. Ever since then Max has been acting extremely lethargic and has not been behaving the way he normally does. A few notes I think you should know is this: there is construction going on right next door to my house, so typically it has been noisy during the day. Max has never really been frightened by the noise, but lately he jumps at any sound made by the machines which makes it difficult for him to be walked outside and many times, it has stopped him from doing his business. This has resulted at Max going inside of our house, and he was trained and would never do that before. Max would love to go outside, he always seized any opportunity to do so and run around. Now, Max will only go as far as the porch steps has to be convinced to actually leave the porch. Also, Max is usually a very playful and energetic little guy and lately he would rather just cuddle up close to me than run around as he would typically do.

This isn't the first time he has been shaved, so we figured he'd get over it in a few days as he did before. This seems to be lasting for a while and I'm worried for my little guy.

Can anyone shell out some tips or advice...or answers??

Thanks

[german sheep]

Hi samula,

after Max is frightened does he come to you or does he hide somewhere?
Did he show this behaviour after the shaving or did he act this way before?
Were you by Max as he was being groomed, did anything ununsual happen?
Was it the first time Max was groomed by this person?
Has anything happened outside where the construction is going on?

Also, Max is usually a very playful and energetic little guy and lately he would rather just cuddle up close to me than run around as he would typically do.

Max shows you directly that he is overstrained. He comes to you to "ask" for help. When nothing really happenes that will give him help, he has to run around to lower his stress level.
Food in combination with movement reduces stress.

So what you can do is:
When Max comes to you for "help" you should immediately stand up with food in your hand and walk him around. You must move quickly without hectic movements. Make sure he is always by your side. Therefore take him on the lead, so you can show him you have control.
Your hand has to be by your thigh, so that Max can take the food when he needs it. Don't offer him the food, if he doesn't take it, it is because his stress level is too high. He has to orientate himself on you.
Continue this until Max calms down.

The same procedure outside!

LG
gs

[Smartdogs]

One option: Since dog affected by the noise in the area, move or
shift to a quieter neighbourhood.

Second option: Take Max to the vet. Noise sensitivity can be due to various medical conditions. Ironically, if your dog's hearing is diminishing, a sudden loud noise that he can hear may make him jump. If the noise problem is medical and treatable, your dog's noise anxiety should be solved.

Third option: Tackle the problem through a behavioural approach.
a,Create A Positive Association
Set about an association reaction. Hear the machine noise? Before the noise sets in, haul out the dog treats. Before your dog gets to the cowering point, hand out a treat for every second he does NOT try to jump. If he stays in a "sit" reward him. Sometimes owners unwittingly reward the fear reaction, encouraging their dog to BE fearful.

b,Build Up To The Noise Gradually
Set up a tape recorder, and record the worst of the machine noises (or other noises that cause the fear). Pick a day when you can put up with it, and playback the recordings, starting on a low volume setting, and get louder gradually. As the noise continues, your dog will experience a less intense reaction, until he gets used to the noise.