Sound Desensitization - Household Sounds

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Helping Pets Behave

Dogs raised in kennels or outside can have difficult adjusting to household sounds when brought inside. They may startle, hide, freeze, or even threaten the source of the noise. Many of my clients report that their dogs bite the vacuum! Take the time to desensitize your new puppy or shelter dog to these potentially scary sounds before it becomes a problem. Typical sources of fear come from noisy appliances such as the vacuum, hairdryer, dishwasher, and washing machine. Also included is an electric razor, coffee grinder, and the sound of a mower to round out the list. These sounds can also be used as part of a desensitization program for dogs that have already developed a fear response. Consult with your local Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist or Veterinary behaviorist for details on how to train your dog using these sounds.