Homer is 2 years old, over this last year has become increasingly sensitive and anxious when there have been loud noises and fireworks. We normall sit in with the tv, or music on if fireworks are planned nearby. One evening my husband opened up a cupboard not usually used to find a DVD, but at the same time the fireworks display near us started. Homer has since been searching behind (a very narrow gap) or reaching up on top (a small ceramic collection) of the cupboard every time there has been bangs from fireworks and even this morning when there was banging crates as neighbours were having a grocery delivery. If he hears loud bangs while on a walk he will want to go straight back home. Fortunately he hasn't run off back home and I have managed to get his lead back on to continue the walk. I am worried that at some point he will run off if there was a loud noise nearby.
Re: Sensitive to banging sounds You can get a CD to help desensitise dogs to sounds like fireworks, bangs, thunder etc. I know some members have used it successfully unfortunately I can't remember what it's called. If you search in Amazon you should find it or search the forum and the threads discussing it should come up. It would be easier to desensitise him to loud noises if you are controlling them. You can have the CD on low in the background and reward when Homer doesn't react or stops reacting. Then gradually increase the volume. If bangs etc occur outdoors try distraction and reward when he stops reacting to the noise.
Re: Sensitive to banging sounds I'll try to get hold of a cd. Our biggest problem is that he gets obsessed with the cupboard whenever there is a bang. I wonder if rearranging the furniture would make any difference.
Re: Sensitive to banging sounds If you can move the cupboard or make things look different it might work. It might sound a daft thing to try but with dogs it's all about association so if the cupboard is in a different place when homer hears a bang the cupboard he thought the noise was coming from isn't in the same place so the bang isnt coming from it. If that makes sense. :
