Dogs Best Friend
Dog Behavioural & Dog Training Blog/Tips
Noise Aversion In Dogs/
Fear Of Noises In Dogs
02.11.25
Dog Behaviour. Noise Aversion. Guy Fawkes Prep. Post Three
- Play BioAcoustic Music -Music has been created aiming to calm your dog, it's called 'Through a Dogs Ear’ (available on YouTube, Spotify etc.) The soundtracks mastered are easy for the canine nervous system to absorb. In the formation of Through a Dogs Ear, adjustment of the high and low frequencies has occurred. High frequencies tend to arouse the dog's nervous system.- Provide a small area for your dog during stressful periods - Perhaps use a covered crate if your dog is accustomed to this, or even just a sheet covering a table for your dog to retreat to. This area is den-like and hopefully will help make your dog feel more secure.- Lastly, you must be the strong one -Don’t act worried about the loud bangs and squeals outside, for your dog. I always say with behaviour, 'You can get what you reflect,' - so act calm and nonchalant about the goings on in your neighbourhood, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog behavioural and training tips, advice and suggestions, why not check out my book in association with HarperCollins ‘Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood’ thank you 🐾
18.10.25
Dog Behaviour. Noise Aversion. Guy Fawkes Prep. Post Two
- Ensure your dog is receiving adequate mental and physical exercise every day - Pent-up energy has been directly linked to an increase in tension and anxiety in dogs.- Use a Anxiety Wrap. Many of my clients rave about the ThunderShirt - New Zealand. This is a cloth, positive acupressure vest your companion wears. The idea is also, that a constant gentle ‘hug’ can calm an anxious pet’s nervous system (a hug is chemically rewarding - it encourages serotonin production). On a hot day you can soak the Thundershirt in water and put it on your dog as a cooling jacket.- Aromatherapy -The use of high quality Lavender and Cedarwood essential oils to promote calm. Lavender has a reputation for its calming benefits and paired with Cedarwood, these benefits are thought to increase. A couple of drops (total) onto a cloth tied onto your dog’s crate/kennel or dropped into a diffuser and let run for a few hours, should be beneficial, I will be posting more on this topic so stay tuned! Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant, Trainer & Author, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog behavioural and training tips, advice and suggestions, why not check out my book in association with HarperCollins ‘Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood’ thank you 🐾
27.09.25
Dog Behaviour. Signs of stress in dogs.
These are some common signs of stress in dogs (some of which may surprise you) -*Hyperactive behaviour*Being on the ‘look out’ all the time*Eyeballing you and you being able to see a lot of white of your dogs eyes - this is potentially a sign of a high level of stress.*Your dog finding it difficult to sleep or relax*Howling, whining or barking when left alone*Lots of panting, even when it is not hot or your dog has not been exercised*Excessive salivation/drooling*Chasing and barking at birds, cars, fence running/pacing*Obsessive behaviour* Excessive digging* Excessive chewing of toys, furniture etc.* Excessive licking - objects or themselves.Other signs may be specific to your dog, I always say, you know your dog best. If something feels ‘off’ please seek help for your beloved companion, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog behavioural and training tips, advice and suggestions, why not check out my book in association with HarperCollins ‘Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood’ thank you 🐾
12.09.25
Dog Behaviour. Noise Aversion in Dogs. Fear of Fireworks.
It's not too early to start preparing your dog for the noise of fireworks!*Post one on this topic -- Start training and practicing obedience tasks to be performed when fireworks are going off in the distance. Get your commands down pat, so it's like your dog could 'do them in their sleep.' Shower your dog with praise and affection when these tricks are being performed. - Recordings of fireworks/other ’scary’ noises can be played while your dog is doing something fun. I would recommend downloading the ‘Sound Proof Puppy App.’ for pets off iTunes or Android. This app. has noises that typically can bring about a fear response. Starting at a barely audible volume, slowly increase this over time (only increasing slightly if your dog is not visibly reacting to the stimuli). You may be rewarding by dishing out treats as part of this fun activity. If using a super tasty morsel in this process, if your dog is not accepting this, they are too stressed and the intensity of the noise needs to be decreased. Try at least later that day if not the next. This process is about weeks of training, so you can see how it's good to start now, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. I'll be posting more on this topic also. For more dog behavioural and training advice, tips and suggestions, why not check out my book in association with Harper Collins, 'Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood,' thank you 🐾
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Selina McIntyre of Dogs Best Friend, a qualified Dog Behaviourist & Dog Trainer in the Hamilton, Waikato, Tauranga and Rotorua areas of NZ since 2004.