Environmental management
SOME ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES ARE EASY TO ARRANGE, such as closing the curtains during thunderstorms or fireworks and using background music or television to muffle the scary sounds. Heavy, light impermeable curtains work the best.
These changes won’t cure your dog’s noise anxiety, but they can help to reduce the distress he is experiencing. Environmental management is a lifelong treatment method. With time, you will learn what works best for your dog. Avoid exposure to anxiety triggering noises and do not take your dog out during storms or fireworks. Try to create a quiet, calm, safe place for your dog at home. This place can be his crate, a dim/dark room, or a closet.
Find out what space works best for your dog and train him to use this safe spot. Training should occur only when your dog is relaxed. Associate the safe spot with positive feelings by letting the dog find favourite toys and treats there.
Distracting your dog with a favourite toy or playtime can help re-direct his attention away from scary sounds. This positive distraction will only work if your dog is not already anxious. Remember to stay calm. Maintaining composed behaviour will also help your dog be more relaxed.
