Noise phobias have taken over Sammy's life!

Question.
We adopted dog Sammy, our Collie cross, from a local rescue centre. He is between three and five years old. He is very sensitive to noise; he barks at the phone, and jumps up at it; he cannot stand our microwave, and snarls and would attack it if we were not aware of the problem (we have stopped using it). He has a similar problem with pedestrian crossings and barks all the time they make a noise, pulling on his lead and looking fierce.

He jumps up whenever the fridge is opened and is also bothered by the oven, the washing machine and other domestic sounds. He went to training classes but was easily distracted. When we are alone with him he is very responsive and can be really well behaved.

A behaviourist visited us several times to give us some training tips but could offer no reason why the adopted dog Sammy behaves as he does. We are using Bach Flower Remedies recommended by the behaviourist and we also have a dog-appeasing pheromone (DAP) plug-in dispenser.

Answer.
The range of stimuli that your adopted dog reacts to is certainly broad and has obviously severely affected his quality of life. It is difficult to be sure of the reasons for the responses.For a long-term solution a detailed assessment of his behaviour would be needed and although you have sought advice already it would still be appropriate to seek another opinion.

The advice to install a DAP diffuser is sound and should help to decrease your dog's level of anxiety.However, a more specific behavioural therapy approach will be needed to alter his perceptions of the things that upset him and teach him more acceptable responses.

It may also be necessary to consider medication as part of his treatment; ask your vet to refer you to a veterinary behaviourist. Also consider how people respond to your adopted dog's behaviour. Ensure they do not unintentionally reinforce it with incorrect verbal or physical responses, for example by reassuring him when he hears the noises he is sensitive to.

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