Afraid of Fireworks?
by anneh
ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
For all you maltese pups who are afraid of fireworks.....and thunder, loud noises, etc......LISTEN UP !!!!!
Owners....try this: Instead of picking up PLP (Poor Little Pup) when he's so frightened by the noise of the fireworks, go through a "jolly routine" instead. That's when you act as if everything is soooo happy and things are just grrrreat!! :)
The words don't matter, but the tone sure does. Keep it UP!!!
and soooo jolly!!!! Then give them a treat. You can pet them, but don't hold and coddle. GIve them a quiet place in an inside room if you can, but the main thing is to act as nothing is out of the ordinary.....just a regular old day with regular old noises!!! Can you do it????
DISCUSSION:
Hi Anne! What a great idea. I will definately do that. This way they will surely overcome their fears with loud noises. I always learn so much from you. Thank you for the great advice:)
Angel
My roommate's black Lab is afraid of gunshot noises and thunder, and she says the same thing - just act as if everything is normal. Also, exposure to all kinds of sounds at home helps dogs feel better about them when they're not home. Good advice, Anne
Judy
Anne, I have gotten to where I look for your name in replies. I really value your inputs and appreciate all the knowledge you share with us. I think we are fortunate to have someone in the profession of canine behavior to be a part of this discussion group. This particular suggestion can be applied in many situations, not just fireworks, but I must admit, I would be the first to have coddled instead of treating it as you suggested. Thank you for that invaluable tip....and all the others.
Linda P.
Thanks Anne.....Squirrel started shaking the other day when a car backfired several times and of course I did the wrong thing and picked him up etc..........I'll try to remember to do the "jolly" thing next time. And ditto to what Linda said!
Deanna (Moose & Squirrel)
I couldn't agree with you more Linda P! I'll be printing this out to save for future reference. Thanks, Anne!
Tracy B.
Wow......what did I do to deserve these compliments???? Thanks!
The dogs I had before the three I have now were all frightened of loud noises and were just spoiled dogs. I had used no creativity whatsoever in "bringing them up." I really enjoy my dogs now more than any others I've had because I've taken the time to teach them good manners and instill confidence in them instead of worrying about things such as a "straight sit." I interact with them so much more and can take them anywhere and know they'll behave and not be fearful. You'll do the same. Thanks again!
anneh
Anne, you are so right. I know I do a lot of stuff wrong when it comes to behavior modification with my boys, but this is one area I get an A in. (Can I get a gold star, too?) This worked with my 2 yr old step son a few years back so it came natural to do it with Baxter & Rudy. They don't even flinch at thunder. They might glance in our direction when a real loud clap of thunder hits, but look away when they see no reaction from us. There have been fireworks going off here and there all week in our neighborhood and it hasn't bothered them at all. By the way, it doesn't seem like you have to keep the "jollies" up forever. We don't even acknowledge thunder anymore and neither do they. Ditto on all the comments regarding the value of your input here and thank you so much for your generousness in sharing your professional expertise. A lot of others wouldn't be bothered. 
Marie
| Please bear in mind when reading topics pertaining to health issues, that most of these questions were answered by helpful Maltese owners with no formal education in veterinary medicine. When in doubt seek a professionals advise. |
|
1996-1998© Maltese Only Discussion Created by Jay Bianco All rights reserved |
