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QuestionHow do I desensitize my dog to sounds?
Elisabeth WeissElisabeth Weiss is a Professional Dog Trainer and owner of Dog Relations NYC, a dog training service in New York, New York. Elisabeth relies on science-based, force-free, and reward-based techniques. Elisabeth offers behavior training, puppy manners, body awareness and injury prevention, diet, exercise and dog nutrition services. Her work has been featured in New York Magazine and on the Dog Save the People podcast. She also trained all the dogs in the movie "Heart of a Dog" by Laurie Anderson that features Elisabeth's journey with Laurie Anderson's and Lou Reed's dog Lolabelle and how her passion for playing the keyboards played a significant role in improving her quality of life after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Professional Dog TrainerStart by figuring out what sounds trigger your dog. Then, you can start working with your dog to desensitize them. You might try counter-conditioning, which involves giving your dog a high-value treat when they are exposed to the sound that triggers them. Over time, they will be less afraid of the sound because they'll associate it with treats. -
QuestionHow do I desensitize my dog to bikes and motorcycles?Elisabeth WeissElisabeth Weiss is a Professional Dog Trainer and owner of Dog Relations NYC, a dog training service in New York, New York. Elisabeth relies on science-based, force-free, and reward-based techniques. Elisabeth offers behavior training, puppy manners, body awareness and injury prevention, diet, exercise and dog nutrition services. Her work has been featured in New York Magazine and on the Dog Save the People podcast. She also trained all the dogs in the movie "Heart of a Dog" by Laurie Anderson that features Elisabeth's journey with Laurie Anderson's and Lou Reed's dog Lolabelle and how her passion for playing the keyboards played a significant role in improving her quality of life after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Professional Dog TrainerTry setting up a situation where the dog is around the trigger, but have it so far away that the dog doesn't react to it. Then, give the dog a treat like roast beef or steak. Gradually bring the dog closer to the trigger, rewarding it each time it doesn't react. That way, the dog will eventually come to associate the trigger with treats instead of fear. -
QuestionI recently took my 1-year-old Pomeranian/Husky to the store. He is terrified of people! He shakes badly or runs away in a panic if they're close by, or wanting to give him attention. What should I do?
Community AnswerWalk your dog on suburban streets, there should be a few other people walking. Don't stop or acknowledge anyone. Just walk past them, then praise your dog or give him a treat when he doesn't respond negatively. Another strategy is to have a friend that your dog doesn't know walk in the opposite direction around the same block. They should slip the dog its favorite treat each time you pass. Do this until the dog is happy to see your friend. If your dog doesn't take the treat at first, have them drop it, and let your dog pick it up when he is ready. Eventually, stop and shake hands. Repeat this on multiple occasions with different people, then have them pet his head gently. -
QuestionMy 3-year-old dog seems to be going backward in regard to her desensitization. She is anxious around kids playing on the street and unexpected noises on her walk.
Community AnswerWe often reinforce anxious behavior without realizing it, which can lead to the backsliding you are seeing. You don't want to treat a dog like a child. When a dog is anxious, we want to say "Oh, it's okay boy," then pet the anxious dog - but wait, what did you just do? You gave a reward (petting) for anxious behavior, thereby reinforcing the behavior. So as much as you want to coddle your dog, this is the time to be the fearless pack leader. You must ooze confidence and firmness from your body. You are an unmovable mountain, whatever image gets you there, when you feel it, your dog will too. -
QuestionI have a 2-year-old Labrador who is quite aggressive towards other dogs, as she had very little socialization as a puppy. She is also quite aggressive towards my cat. What do I do?
Community AnswerThere are several things that you can do to help your dog. I highly recommend contacting a trainer or behaviorist, and your vet for possible solutions. You may want to look into Dog Appeasement Pheromone (DAP, brand name Adaptil) and/or a thundershirt to help calm your dog. It's most likely fear reactivity that you're dealing with, so working with your dog using reward positive counter-conditioning methods can help. I definitely recommend seeing a trainer or behaviorist who specializes in dog reactivity. -
QuestionHow do I desensitize my dog to objects it's not familiar with?
Community AnswerUnlimited treats and praise! Introduce new items to them one at a time. If it is a small dog, hold them and put the object in the middle of the living room floor. Put the dog down to check it out, or even point and call their name. If they come towards it, praise them, "Good Rover!" Give them a treat. If you have to, place a treat on or near new objects. Train for 30 minutes at a time every day for 2 weeks. -
QuestionHow do I desensitize my puppy to other dogs?
Community AnswerTake your puppy to the pet store and keep its favorite treat handy. When someone comes in with their dog (I would go on a Saturday if your pet store is too slow at other times), and every time another dog walks by and you can keep your dog quiet from barking, give him or her a treat. If it gets too crazy, take him or her for a walk around the aisle and start over again. I would not do this "training session" for any more than 30 minutes max. When you are not in training, I would not have the pup around other dogs until you can simply give them verbal praise for continuous good behavior.
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QuestionHow do I teach my dog to not be scared of plastic bottles?
Community AnswerPraise, treats and patience! I would put a plastic bottle on the living room floor and put the dog on a leash (in the house). Put a treat near the bottle and see if they will approach the bottle. If they take even one step in the direction of the bottle, praise them and give them a treat. Any time they are not doing the unwanted behavior (cowering, barking) praise them and give them a treat. Do this for 30 minutes a day for 2 weeks.
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QuestionWe moved to a new house a few months ago. The dog adjusted well, but with the changing season the house makes random creaking/popping sounds that terrify her. What do I do?
Community AnswerReassure her when she gets terrified. Once she's calm, treat her. She will associate being calm with good things. Eventually she will get used to the sounds, you just have to try to comfort her in the meantime.
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QuestionWhat do I do if my dog is scared of almost everything?
Community AnswerDepending on how negatively, violently, consistently, or extremely, your dog reacts to those fears, you may need to speak to your vet about it. Your dog may have an anxiety or panic disorder which may need medication or professional therapy to treat. Being scared of every loud noise it hears or big objects it sees, or every new object it interacts with is not necessarily a cause for concern, but if it quite literally is scared of almost everything, regardless of size or noise or daily interaction, more than likely you should contact your vet.
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QuestionHow do I teach my dog to stay calm when the doorbell rings?
Community AnswerHave somebody outside ring the doorbell a single time. If your dog immediately begins to bark or panic, wait until it calms down, and then reward it with a treat. Open the door, and have the person enter the house (assuming it is safe to do so and your dog will not attack when the door is opened). After a short while, have the person leave and ring the doorbell again. Wait until your dog is calm and then reward again. Repeat until your dog is calm the very first time the doorbell is rang, although you may need to take breaks (make them as short as realistically possible) this may be something that can take a lot longer than just a couple of minutes.
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