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Remove the dog's fear of rockets It will not always be possible.When we talk about traumas or fears, carrying out a systematic desensitization process with a professional can be very effective, but when we talk about phobias, the process can be lengthened much more and can even be Impossible to treat.However, if there are any tips to reassure you that you can use.
These are very useful and simple tricks to carry out, especially if we have not had time to go to the veterinarian or educator canine.Next in ExpertAnimal we explain what to do if your dog is afraid of rockets :
Why are dogs afraid of pyrotechnics?
It's totally normal for a dog to be scared of loud noises.The survival instinct makes them try to run away or hide to save their lives.In the most serious cases we can also observe Excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, nervousness, tremors and anomalous behaviors.
There are three main causes that can make the dog afraid of rockets, firecrackers and fireworks:
- Genetics : Fear is one of the behavioral characteristics that a puppy can inherit from its parent.The propensity towards this fearful behavior can be the trigger of behaviors related to fear.
- Traumas : A negative experience, even if it is not directly related to a rocket, can cause a dog’s life-long trauma.
- Socialization : if we have not worked correctly the habit of loud noises in their socialization stage acion (between 3 weeks and 3 months of life) it is likely that our dog, before the arrival of fears, acts in a negative or scary way the first time he hears fireworks.
However, the fear of rockets can also develop without bad experiences and even if the puppy dog was well socialized with this type of noise and situations, some diseases or the loss of some of its senses (deafness, blindness...) They can encourage the appearance of fears and phobias.
Remember that if your dog is afraid of everything, basically the rockets, it would be interesting to consult with a professional to find out if he has suffered the syndrome privacion sensiorial (puppies that have been totally isolated from the environment) or there is a behavioral problem that must be treated.
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The importance of our reaction
Believe it or not, the reaction to the dog's behavior is key to the acquisition of phobias.Running at full speed with him, petting him, dedicating words of tranquility etc.are acts that reinforce a Altered dog behavior without us noticing.By trying to reassure him we are only reinforcing behavior that does not benefit our best friend at all.
It is best to try to maintain an attitude normal (if possible) trying to ignore the scary behaviors that the dog may have.We should not touch, pet or reward him if he is nervous, excited or especially hyperactive.
Of course, it is important to emphasize that fear is an emotion and that emotions cannot be reinforced , unlike behaviors.Therefore, we will avoid reinforcing behaviors that incite nervousness, but we can caress it and offer treats if it shows calm , hidden in a place or stuck next to us.
How to reassure a dog scared by rockets?
If you do not have time to follow a complete sensitization process or you are not trained to do so, you can follow these tips for the day of fires Remember that you can also use them when you don't know what to do when a dog is afraid of thunder.
These 5 points will help you know how to calm a dog scared by fireworks and in general how to calm a dog that is afraid of any kind of loud noise:
Do not leave him alone : it is not advisable to leave a dog alone at home, especially if he is very afraid and conducts destructive behaviors.In addition to avoiding a possible domestic accident, being by your side will help you feel more secure. Create a nest : to create a nest you can use a cardboard box, a carrier or a bed for dogs of type "cave".It must be a place dark and comforting, so you can put blankets and some toy inside it.We will place the "nest" in a place away from windows and street noises.To begin to get familiar with it, you must put the nest a few days before the fires and you must work a positive association.The best thing would be to reinforce it with a "very good" every time you enter and encourage him to enter leaving there tasty treats and prizes.So, never push him or force him in.Leave some water nearby. Isolate from noise : regardless of closing windows during the fires, you can also play relaxing music with a high volume.Although you will also perceive the vibrations, the sound will not be so shocking. Offer a distraction : although some dogs refuse to eat or play right now, Offering you a raw bone, a food vending toy or your favorite stuffed animal can help distract you. Use pheromones : Synthetic pheromones, also known as DAP, are a mixture of fatty-lying stresses that mimic the glandulabaebae that They release the dogs in the period of breastfeeding.They have a mainly calming function and help lower anxiety levels.You should look for those that have studies that support their effectiveness.Following these tricks you will isolate your dog from the environment favoring a state of Calm and relax away from the stress of popular parties.Remember that if your dog is afraid of rockets, it is recommended that children and strangers do not try to manipulate or bothering him in the moments of fear, the dog could react negatively.
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How to remove fear of dogs using systematic desensitization?
If we have time before the holidays arrive, we can try to carry out a systematic desensitization process that will help us accustom the dog to the presence of rockets, noise and lights In general, you should start practicing at least between 1 and 3 months before fireworks.
This process is indicated for many different types of phobias and fears, but we must be very cautious and carry it out step by step and with great caution. Never follow this process if your dog reacts aggressively or unpredictably to firecrackers .Find out how to sensitize your dog step by step:
1.Choose a reinforcement for your dog
Since we are going to work on desensitization using positive reinforcement, it is essential to have a powerful motivation for the dog within our reach.It can usually be enough with a handful of snacks for dogs but it can also be useful raise chicken pieces without salt or toys.We will always choose thinking about the preferences of our best friend.
2.Relax your dog by planting
Before starting the sensitization session We must prepare the dog to be calm and relaxed.That will favor the acceptance of the stimulus to which we intend to habituate it.To do this we can carry out a sowing, which consists in spreading the pieces of food that we have chosen for the ground.The dog will spend time sniffing and searching and this will provide relaxation and well-being.Caresses, kisses and a very positive attitude cannot be missed.
3.Make yourself with a video of fireworks
It is important that you prepare in advance so that the volume is not at maximum and cause fear and confusion in the dog.We will choose a video in which the fires can be clearly heard but we will put it at a very low volume, almost imperceptible .These were Japanese artificial egos can help you.
4.Continue with the sowing and video for 5 minutes
Spread pieces of food back on the ground so that the dog continues to look for food and do not focus your attention on the noise of the rockets.Do not try to pet or reward him directly.This process will help you stay distracted and relate the rockets to an exquisite reward .After 5 minutes we will turn off the video or audio and continue as if nothing.Our attitude must be calm and calm.
Probably in this first session your dog will show something scared and distrustful and do not achieve 100% a state of relaxation on his part.It does not matter, it is it is preferable to advance little to not advance anything, feel satisfied if for a moment you have been distracted from the noise and continued with the sowing.
5.Practice daily
The key to awareness consists in continuing with the process for the necessary time: one week, fifteen days, one month...The time does not matter but the dog at all times feels comfortable , safe and rewarded.
Sessions should last 5 minutes so as not to overwhelm or Overstimulate the dog.It is very important that we keep in mind that this is a gradual process that can take time and effort on our part.
6.Work with authentic pyrotechnics
If possible , once your dog is fully accustomed to the sound of firecrackers you can try real pyrotechnics.It is essential that in this last part of the process you are accompanied by an experienced professional .
Finally we recommend you to interrupt the session if at any time you observe an aggressive, excessively altered or inappropriate attitude of your dog.The well-being of your dog and yours prevails above all.
Medication for very fearful dogs, is it recommended?
In severe cases, when in addition to fear diarrhea, panic, vomiting and anorexia, if it is indicated to medicate the dog, it is best to consult with the veterinarian the option to use anxiolytics or other medications, however, its effects on the dog's body should be tested a few months before to ensure the desired effect.
We recommend avoiding drugs that are completely they contain acepromazine, such as Calmivet or Paciflor, for example, since they increase the dog's state of consciousness but prevent him from moving, which can cause widespread stress and panic.
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If you want to read more articles similar to What to do if my dog is afraid of rockets? , we recommend you go to our Behavioral problems section.
Tips
- Check the effectiveness of your dog's collar or harness well.
- Do not force their interaction or approach to the stimulus that causes fear.
- Don't reinforce fearful behavior.
- Go to the professional if your situation is serious.
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