How to use the desensitisation files

Many dogs grow up fearful of strange noises such as fireworks and thunder. We can help prevent this by exposing your puppy when young to these sounds.

The files here can be downloaded and played on your PC or transfered to disc to be played on your stereo. Set your mp3 player on your pc to loop, or on your stereo to repeat, so it plays continuously.

For young puppies it is advisable to start playing these sounds at very low volume, so that you can just barely hear them yourself. Play them for about 20 mins each day, and every couple of days gradually increase the volume. If you come to a volume that your puppy starts showing any signs of fear or stress or becomes anxious, then lower the volume so that the puppy doesn't show signs of stress, and play at this volume for a few more days. Then gradually increase again. If your dog or puppy shows any sign of fear or stress, DO NOT under any circumstances try and comfort your dog or pup. If you do you are just reinforcing the behaviour. If your puppy is interested in the sounds but not showing any stress, then yes you can reward your dog with praise, food, play or toy. However if your puppy is showing some signs of stress, just ignore your puppy, and immediately lower the volume. When your puppy is again not showing signs of stress, then again reward your puppy as above.

Most puppies will eventually become desensitized to the sounds if you take it slow, and only reinforce the right behaviour, and that is when your puppy is displaying confidence. It is very important that you read your puppies body language correctly and only reward the confident behaviour. I can not stress this enough!

If you are not sure if your adolesent or adult dog is fearful of these sounds, then play them on your PC fairly loud, and watch the reaction of your dog. If your dog becomes anxious, stressed or fearful stop the sound, and start him on the desensitization program as recommended above.