Thunderstorms - Sound Desensitization

PLEASE READ BEFORE USING Sound Sensitivity (SS) and/or Noise Aversion (NA) is very common in dogs. These videos are designed to help you prevent SS and NA in a puppy and work on building positive associations with these sounds in dogs that already show signs of SS/NA. The sign most commonly reported by Pet Parents is Barking at the sounds, but Canine Body Language is more subtle than that, and many dogs show signs of disliking noises that are less obvious than barking. For this reason, I encourage everyone to work with a Certified Trainer or Behavior Consultant who uses Positive Reinforcement Methods to ensure that you can use these videos properly, and make sure your dog stays comfortable, or in Trainer-Speak: under threshold. If you’d like more information about these topics, you can check out the episodes of my podcast, Doggy Dojo that goes into them more fully. The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and from Season 2 on, here on YouTube. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/doggy-dojo/id1542560229 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/764f9QRG5HD80eMFA1cGTR Google: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80MGZjYzQxYy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw== YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfKIdJbl19E0exL5D69a5Jw Episodes to Check Out: Doggie Body Language with Lili Chin Noise Aversion with Gwen Podulka Methods Matter with Dr. Karen London You can also reach out to work with me at my website: www.doggydojopodcast.com HOW TO USE THIS VIDEO: -Set your dog or puppy up with a yummy long-lasting treat. I suggest a lick mat, Kong/Toppl, or Chew/bone. You want to use this instead of tossing treats one by one. Then, let them settle somewhere comfortably and begin to enjoy. -Start playing video on the LOWEST VOLUME that you can still hear it. Remember, dogs have better hearing than humans and if you can hear it, they can. The most common mistake is playing the sounds too loudly at first. -Observe your dog’s body language. If they are still relaxing and enjoying their treat, the volume is probably at a good level. Resist the urge to raise the volume. Let your dog enjoy their treat. The training is working when your dog is comfortable, not when they are uncomfortable. Signs to watch for to tell you the volume is too high (not all inclusive): dog stops eating, stares at source of sound, freezes, barks, licks lips, yawns, gets up and moves away from sound, whimpers, whites of eyes show, growling, etc. If your dog shows any signs of the sounds making them uncomfortable, stop the video and play it quieter on your next attempt. -If you can play the entire video and the dog remains comfortable, great! You’re done for today. Tomorrow, set it up again and you can play it just a little louder. -Repeat, raising the volume each day as long as your dog remains comfortable. Sounds on this video: 00:00-00:10 Reminder to turn Volume Down 00:10-00:15 SILENCE 00:15-15:20 RAIN, THUNDER, and LIGHTENING