July 12, 2008 - Is your dog is scared from the sounds of thunderstorms, traffic, house guests, etc.?   According to veterinarian Sue Wagner, music and sounds can be used as a technique for your dog's behavioral issues. 

Wagner believes that understanding how different noise levels influence the degree of anxiety your dog may experience will help you to reduce their stress levels.  Any type of clatter noises such as buzzing from the clothes dryer or a door slamming can trigger stress.  Recognizing that intense noises from both inside and outside where you live are also influencers will help you to reduce your dog's anxiety.  If you have no control over the noises, calming music can be used to help - and there is no need for the music to be play loudly.

Story Continues Below
____________________________________________________________

Guidelines should be taken to ensure your dog has a positive association when using music as a technique for calming your dog.

• Play soothing music when your dog is not feeling anxious, so that when they hear this music, it will remind them of being in a positive state of mind
• After doing this process, apply it when your dog is faced with anxious situations
• If you find your dog is still anxious, stop playing the music and go back to only playing it when your dog is in a positive state and then try at a later point
• Learn the behaviors your dog exhibits when afraid - Ask a dog trainer for help identifying these behaviors (i.e. panting, whining, restless, or pawing at you, etc.)
• When you see that your dog's fearful behaviors are gone from the music being played, you may then continue using the technique

This process can be applied in several situations to prevent your dog from having anxiety such as:

• Separation anxiety
• Aggression
• Thunderstorms
• Fireworks
• Excitement
• Visitors
• Stressful moments that people near your dog may have
• Boarding
• Driving with your dog

Source: "Pet Feeling Phobic?  Put On Some Chopin", MSNBC