Is your dog afraid of your hair dryer or vacuum
cleaner? Have you found something else that makes your pooch shy away, lift
his leg to the object, hide or bark? Here's help.
Create an association between a really great treat and the object
or situation your dog presently fears. Many dogs can be motivated by
food; if your dog isn't one of those, find something else your dog
loves: a good smell, a favorite toy, or a few minutes of play time.
Let's say the offending object is the vacuum. While your dog is in
another room with you, have someone turn on the vacuum. As soon as it
is on, give your dog a particularly tasty and healthy goodie, then
praise and pet your dog. After you do this a few times, your dog will
begin to associate the sound of the vacuum with treats and praise, while at a distance that won't intimidate him. (If
you don't have someone to turn on the vacuum for you, put the vacuum in
another room and while it is unplugged, place the switch to the on
position. Then bring the cord with you into the room where your pooch
will be and plug it in there with your dog next to you.)
After repeating this exercise a few times and on a few different
days, move your dog closer to the vacuum before it goes on, still
lavishing the dog with praise and treats. Gradually move your dog ever
closer each time until your dog is within a few feet of the vacuum.
Treat and praise, but do not hold your dog in place to prevent his
departure. The dog needs to feel like he has an out if he's
afraid. The lack of an escape may make your dog fear the vacuum even
more, despite the treats. If he fails to eat the treat but pays more
attention to the vacuum, the lessons are progressing
faster than the dog is. Simply back things off again and wait until the
dog is completely comfortable with the previous distance before moving
him closer.
Eventually you can bring the dog to the vacuum, and leaving it off,
place a treat on the vacuum. When the dog eats it, praise him and pet
him. After your dog is used to the object, turn the vacuum onto the air
function, without the motor if possible, while petting your dog and
offering treats. If the dog shies, turn the vacuum off and continue to
create a closer association between treats and the vacuum.
Then, when you vacuum, make sure you don't move too quickly when your dog is near.
With repeated, pleasant exposure, your dog should soon overcome his fear.
Jana Ortiz owns Kosmar Enterprises, LLC. You can visit Kosmar Enterprises
for lots of resources on pet health, herbal health aids for pets and
people, or to chat on the forum.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
