Don't Let Fido's Phobias Sour Summer Fun

Tune into WTMJ AM620 tomorrow (Saturday June 21, 2008). I'll giving tips on how to deal with dreaded noise shyness. Below is an overview of the suggestions I'll be covering.

Don't let Fido's phobias sour summer celebrations


Much to the delight of children nationwide, July is a great month for fireworks. Unfortunately, dogs seldom share their enthusiasm, often running for cover at the first crack.

If your dog is traumatized by fireworks or any of the other noises of summer - from sirens to motorcycles, screaming children to chain saws - take heart: There is a solution, according to Amy Ammen, nationally known dog-behavior expert and author of Hip Ideas for Hyper Dogs (Wiley, 2007).
"The solution is counterintuitive," said Ammen, "and it stems from people trying to do the right thing - and failing. The fact is, an owner's best instinct may actually be killing his canine's confidence."
The primary problem Ammen encounters in working with fearful dogs is clients coddling and reassuring the animals in stressful situations.
"The result of such coddling is just the opposite. Instead of calming the dog, it actually rewards him for fearful behavior and entrenches the fear."
Fortunately, giving such a dog the courage he needs to face such traumas is usually easier than one might think, she said. Here's the scoop.
"First, remain calm, relaxed, and unemotional even in the face of this incredible danger that he's detected. Second, use basic obedience commands to get him focused on you instead of on the source of his fear. And third, distract him with happy talk and treats."
Ammen provided these tips for overcoming canine phobias:

· Do not give your dog attention when he is acting freaked out.
· Do give him a command - and enforce it.
· Do keep your dog on a short leash, and don't allow him to scurry about.
· Do not allow people to rush up to your dog if he's in an anxious state; do ask them to ignore him.

When you know that you'll be facing a potentially frightening situation, you can prepare for it ahead of time, Ammen said. "Take him to class, establish basic skills, intentionally induce anxiety-provoking situations, and apply the skills you've learned together."
For additional strategies for squelching phobias, Ammen suggests consulting Hip Ideas for Hyper Dogs.