How It Works
1.
For the dog’s first exposure, play the CD at a level barely audible to
you. Remember, sounds inaudible to humans are audible to
canines.
Place your dog in a familiar room where he/she is relaxed. Play the
chosen tracks several times a day, until your dog demonstrates a
relaxed behavior with the chosen sound.
If your dog
is displaying a level of fear, reduce the volume. It is imperative to
remain calm, if your dog demonstrates intolerance to the
sound.
2. Over the course of
next two to three weeks, gradually increase the volume in small
increments. Play the CD routinely during feeding or play time, in order
to associate positive events with the sounds.
3.
As the program progresses increase the volume of the sound until the
intensity expected mimics the actual situation. To further the
conditioning, begin to play the CD in different rooms of the house,
including the garden and car. Vary the time of day the CD is
played. Always interact positively with your dog when engaging in
fun training exercises during his exposure to the sound.
4.
Once your dog has become desensitized to the sound, continue the
process of desensitization on an ongoing basis. Although some sounds
are predictable, some are seasonal, such as fireworks during the 4th of
July celebrations. For this reason, it is imperative to continue
therapy based on the time of the year.
In extreme
cases, a dog may continue to exhibit phobic responses to certain sounds
despite your best efforts. If your dog’s quality of life is being
compromised, we advise you to seek help from either a certified
behaviorist, or veterinarian.
