20 - The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday June 9, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com Tips to help conquer dog's fear of noises S ummer days bring with them noises that can frighten dogs: two of the most common being thunder and fireworks. To conquer your dog's fears changing the environment, training and professional assistance could all help. Dogs that are fearful of thunder may become fearful of darkened skies, wind, rain, or dropping barometric pressure. All of these are reliably associated with the loud noises of a thunderstorm. Conditioning can decrease the dog's fear. For example, if the dog links the sound of thunder with a relaxing massage or a chance to sit in your lap, the sound of the storm may not prompt such a fearful state. If you remain calm (dogs can pick up easily on anxious human feelings) and reward with a calm response, the dog will remain relaxed and calm also. This approach will help some dogs to decrease their fear. (905) 849-4998 Receive up to $2300 in Government Rebates up to or factory rebate* free 10-year parts & labour coverage* $ 1,500 If all loud noises are enough to get your dog upset, limit the dog's exposure to the sounds. Provide the dog with a "safe" (free of or protected from loud noise) place to hide during a storm or when the noise is present. A basement, a closet, the bathtub, or any place the dog seems to be less fearful may provide a haven. Letting the dog go to a safe place may not reduce the anxiety, but it can make it more manageable for the owner. Avoid leaving the dog outside for any length of time as it will likely heighten the fear response. Masking the noise with an alternate sound (from the stereo, radio or television) interrupts the fearful response. The "hiss" or static of a radio between stations may mask more frequencies and is constant. Teaching your pet positive responses to sound are as important as ensuring that your pet is not punished for fearful behaviour. Punishment makes fear worse. Even if the dog is destructive or relieves itself inside remain calm. In all training with dogs, reinforcing the positive is more productive than the damage punishment can have on any training program. If after seeking environmental changes (a safe place, alternate sounds) and training (linking positive responses to the sound that creates fear) still do not seem to be helping your pet seek professional assistance. Veterinarians and/or animal behaviour consultants are trained to assist animals PET OF THE WEEK: Snowflake is a lovely boy who is waiting for a loving home. For more information about Snowflake visit www.oakvillehumane.ca experiencing stress. Medications can be prescribed to help with severe fearful behaviour on a short-term basis. A behaviourist will help modify the animal's behaviour to reduce fear for the longterm. There are many options to help your pet conquer its fear of sound. Using the aforementioned techniques will help alleviate the stress that is caused by the many sounds of summer. -- Submitted by the Oakville & District Humane Society. The AffinityTM Air Conditioner and Modulating Furnace from York. The most advanced units available. At York, we've developed an air conditioner that has QuietDrive noise-reduction technology, R410A refrigerant for environmental friendliness and a selection of seven colours to choose from. Also, a furnace that modulates, or adjusts itself in 1% increments. So it's quieter, more economical and highly efficient while keeping the temperature in your home on target. TM Free Air Conditioner Colour Upgrade Package ($250. Retail value) Plus No Payments for 6 Months! * On selected models installed between April 15 and June 30, 2007. Call your participating York Liberties Dealer for details. Only available through registered York Liberties Dealers. Void where prohibited. Bonus Offer: www.yorkupg.com Inquire about additional government and gas company rebates.