Hi, I'm new to this forum but looking for advice about my Red Fox colour Labrador. He is a nervous dog and i'm struggling to calm him down. He goes wild with the spinning sound of the washing machine. He load noises makes him jump up onto my knee even the music for east enders makes him jump up on me for re assurace. He crys when left alone down stairs and im up stairs. Ive am away with work for the night and my daughter is left looking after him he won't settle for her at all any advice would be appreciated as he seems to be getting worse. Thanks IAN
Hi Ian, Sorry to hear you are having issues. You will get a bigger response if you post in one of the forum groups. Our puppy is only 18 weeks and she hated loud noises when we got her. With the washing machine we sat in front of it cuddling with treats the first time it was on so that she could see it wasn't something to be scared of. Have you tried likimats or frozen Kongs to help relax and distract him?
Hi Christina Thanks for responding, I'm doing lots of cuddling and treats to help him, I like the kongs idea, ive also just ordered natural calming vitamins for him as well. cheers IAN
Another thought Ian close the door to the room when the washing machine is and on the other side of it maybe try do some training. He will be focused on you and hopfully over time he can block out the loud noises. You might need to start in a different room and work closer to it.
FDSA have a noise reactivity online course running in the December term which lays out the methodology for safely overcoming noise reactivity i would recommend!
Hi Hes been nervous from a pup when I collected him at 10 weeks. but it seems to be getting slighty worse. He has been checked out by meet and they are happy with him. advise me to give him loads of reassurance and treats.
It sounds like there is separation anxiety going on which you may need a behaviourist to help you sort out. The Lickimats are a good idea for noises like fireworks. The act of licking is supposed to have a calming affect or maybe you could place it near the washing machine to desensitise him. Maybe leave the radio on so there are different noises in the house all the time. Eastenders... no idea. Dreadful programme so don’t blame him lol. My grandparents border collie used to sing at the end of Coronation St. We think he was just happy it was over!
