Understanding the Noise Sensitivity in Dogs
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Past Trauma or Neglect
Dogs who have experienced trauma or neglect, especially during their critical socialization period as puppies, may develop skittishness as they grow.
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Lack of Socialization
Proper socialization helps dogs understand and navigate the world around them. A lack of exposure to different environments, people, and other animals during puppyhood can result in a fearful and skittish adult dog.
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Genetics
Some dog breeds are naturally more cautious or sensitive than others. Also, fearfulness can be inherited from parent dogs.
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Health Issues
Certain health problems, such as thyroid disease or chronic pain, can cause changes in a dog’s behavior, including increased fearfulness or skittishness.
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Sudden Changes
Changes in environment, routine, or family composition (like the addition of a new pet or baby) can lead to increased fearfulness in dogs.
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Fear Phases in Development
Dogs go through various developmental stages, and fear periods are common during puppyhood and adolescence. During these phases, they may suddenly show skittish behavior, which they may or may not outgrow.
Signs Your Dog Is Sensitive to Noise
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Jumpiness:
Your dog may startle easily at sounds that previously didn’t bother them. This could be anything from the sound of a door closing to the noise of a passing car.
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Anxiety:
You might notice your dog becoming anxious when they hear certain noises. This anxiety can manifest in several ways, including excessive panting, pacing, whimpering, or trying to hide.
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Fearful Body Language:
The tail tucked between the legs, flattened ears, widened eyes – these are all signs your dog is scared and could point to noise sensitivity.
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Destructive Behavior:
In some cases, dogs might become destructive when they’re scared. If your dog chews on furniture, scratch at doors, or engages in other destructive behavior in response to certain sounds, it could be due to noise sensitivity.
Triggers of Noise Sensitivity in Dogs
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Bad Experiences:
Dogs, like humans, can develop fears from bad experiences. A past trauma associated with a loud noise could be causing your dog’s current fear.
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Lack of Socialization:
Pups that are not exposed to various sounds early on in their lives may grow to be adults who are fearful of those noises.
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Genetics:
Some breeds are naturally more prone to noise sensitivity than others. For example, herding dogs were bred to be alert and responsive to sounds, which could contribute to sound-related anxieties.
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Age or Health-Related Issues:
Just like us, dogs can experience changes in their hearing as they age. Certain health issues could also make them more sensitive to noise.
How to Handle Do’s and Don’ts for Calming Your Noise-Sensitive Dog
Do’s
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Create a Safe Space:
When noise makes your dog anxious, having a comfortable, quiet place to retreat to can be a great help. This could be a specific room, a crate (if your dog likes it), or even a closet..
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Distract Your Dog:
Stick to a specific recall command. Changing the command frequently can confuse your dog. Also, be consistent in rewarding your dog whenever they come to you after being called.
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Consider Professional Training:
If your dog’s fear is significantly impacting their life, it might be worth considering professional help. Trainers can use techniques such as desensitization and counterconditioning to reduce your dog’s fear response.
Don’ts
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Avoid Forcing Your Dog:
Never force your dog to face their fear. This will likely increase their anxiety and could make the fear even worse.
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Don’t Punish Fear:
Fear is an emotion, not a behavior. Punishing your dog for being scared will only add to their anxiety.
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Steer Clear of Reinforcing Fear:
While it’s natural to want to comfort your pet, showering them with attention when they’re displaying fear can inadvertently reinforce the fearful behavior./p>
Recommended Products for Managing Fearfulness/Skittishness Behavior in Dogs
Key Features
| Applies a constant, gentle pressure to calm anxiety, fear, and over-excitement. | |
| Comes in various sizes to fit dogs of all breeds and sizes. | |
| Easy to put on and remove, with a fastening system for a snug fit. | |
| Durable and machine washable fabric. | |
| Available in different colours. | |
| Vet recommended and endorsed by pet professionals. |
Pros
| Easy to use and non-invasive. | |
| Can be effective for various types of anxiety and fearfulness. | |
| Available in different sizes to accommodate all breeds. | |
| It’s a drug-free solution for managing anxiety. |
Cons
| Not all dogs respond to the pressure technique. | |
| The dog may initially resist wearing it. | |
| It might not be suitable for hot climates due to its material. | |
| Needs proper sizing to ensure effectiveness. |
Key Features
| Uses a synthetic copy of the natural canine-appeasing pheromone. | |
| Covers an area of up to 700 sq.ft. | |
| Comes with a diffuser and a 30-day refill. | |
| Suitable for all dogs during challenging situations like loud noises, being alone or fearful events. | |
| Lasts for 30 days with constant use. | |
| It’s vet recommended and clinically proven. |
Pros
| Easy to use and non-invasive. | |
| Can cover a large area, making it ideal for home use. | |
| Has the potential to work on all dogs regardless of breed or size. | |
| It’s a drug-free solution for managing anxiety. |
Cons
| The scent may not be detectable by humans but some might find it unpleasant. | |
| The product effectiveness may vary between dogs. | |
| Only effective indoors, not useful for outside fear and anxiety. | |
| Requires regular refills, which can be costly over time. |
Key Features
| Made with all-natural ingredients such as hemp oil, chamomile, and valerian root. | |
| Designed to calm anxiety and reduce signs of stress. | |
| Comes in a tasty chewable form that dogs love. | |
| Contains no wheat, corn, or artificial preservatives. | |
| Manufactured in the USA following GMP standards. | |
| Veterinarian formulated and approved. |
Pros
| Uses natural ingredients, offering a holistic approach to calming. | |
| Easy to administer due to its tasty formulation. | |
| Suitable for dogs of all breeds and sizes. | |
| Can be used as needed or on a daily basis. |
Cons
| Some dogs might not like the taste. | |
| Might not be as effective for severe anxiety. | |
| Effects might take time to show in some dogs. | |
| Requires continuous administration for sustained effects. |
Key Features
| Formulated with Suntheanine, a pure form of L-Theanine, to promote relaxation. | |
| Infused with organic ingredients such as chamomile and valerian root. | |
| Chewable with a turkey flavor that dogs love. | |
| Suitable for dogs of all breeds and sizes. | |
| No artificial flavors or preservatives. | |
| Manufactured in the USA in an FDA-registered, GMP-certified facility. |
Pros
| Uses organic ingredients to promote calmness. | |
| Easy to administer due to its appealing flavor. | |
| Suitable for dogs of all breeds and sizes. | |
| No drowsy effect on the dog. |
Cons
| Some dogs might not like the taste. | |
| Effects may vary based on the dog’s size, breed, and level of anxiety. | |
| Might not be as effective for severe anxiety. | |
| Regular administration is required for sustained effects. |
Key Features
| Mimics the comfort of a mother with a ‘real-feel’ pulsing heartbeat. | |
| The heat pack provides warmth to simulate the presence of another dog. | |
| Machine washable with removable heat pack and heartbeat device. | |
| Comes in various designs and colors. | |
| The heartbeat and heat source are reusable and replaceable. | |
| Suitable for dogs of all ages and breeds. |
Pros
| Provides comfort to dogs with separation anxiety or fear. | |
| Non-invasive and drug-free. | |
| The warmth and heartbeat can be comforting for both puppies and adult dogs | |
| Easy to clean and maintain. |
Cons
| Not a long-term solution to behavioral issues. | |
| Might not be as effective for severe anxiety. | |
| Requires regular replacement of the heat pack. | |
| Not suitable for destructive chewers as they may destroy the toy and the heartbeat device. |
Key Features
| Mimics mother dog’s natural calming pheromones. | |
| Effective for dogs of all sizes and breeds. | |
| Lasts up to 30 days. | |
| Comes in a pack of 3 collars. | |
| Easy to put on and remove. | |
| Can be used alongside other behavior modification methods. |
Pros
| Provides continuous calming effect. | |
| Non-invasive and easy to use. | |
| Suitable for dogs of all breeds and sizes. | |
| Can be used in conjunction with other methods. |
Cons
| Not all dogs respond to pheromone therapy. | |
| Might not fit very large dogs. | |
| Not suitable for bathing or swimming. | |
| Some people may find the collar’s smell too strong. |
