Given that there are many medical terms used to label the many types of hearing issue in humans, and given that we consider dogs’ hearing to better than ours, it’s kind of surprising that we frequently overlook hearing sensitivities in dogs. Of course we recognize deafness and fireworks fears, but we frequently don’t consider sound sensitivities relevant to other behavioural issues, such as reactivity or separation issues.
We could for instance use the term, phonophobia (fear of particular sounds) regarding fireworks fears. Or misophonia (hatred of particular sounds) to explain the situation where dogs attack hoovers. But could dogs suffer from hyperacusis? (An unusually low tolerance to normal environmental sounds.)
(Oh dear, here I am using labels when I’m usually arguing against that! But in this case, perhaps examining the different terms allows us to consider wider possibilities.)
A fundamental aspect to consider, however, is that in humans, all the different types of sound sensitivities frequently increase stress levels. Stress frequently reduces tolerance. Could this therefore be at the root of your dog's problems?
A fundamental aspect to consider, however, is that in humans, all the different types of sound sensitivities frequently increase stress levels. Stress frequently reduces tolerance. Could this therefore be at the root of your dog's problems?
Unfortunately we can’t ask our dogs – all we can do is observe. Fortunately, however, the resolution for noise fear or hatred is actually the same: a carefully applied desensitisation and counter-conditioning programme. Here, we work through a plan that carefully and gradually exposes the dog to quieter then louder sounds whilst keeping them occupied with chewing a tasty chew, for instance. Of course the process doesn’t work for all dogs. Perhaps the reproduced sound isn’t good enough. Perhaps other environmental factors are involved with the emotional behavioural response. Or perhaps other behavioural issues are keeping stress levels too high which impacts on learning ability.
Read more on Helping dogs with fireworks fears here. (This page is being published in June - the best time to start on a fireworks desensitisation and counter-conditioning programme. Why? Because it helps to break problems down into smaller parts and by doing this in summer we remove the connection with dark nights and stormy weather (well mostly)).
Anyway, given that we're talking about the medical terms for sound sensitivities, you might ask why a behaviourist interested in noise sensitivity? Well, two reasons. First, that behaviour therapy techniques can help and second, that many times noise sensitivities are stress related. It may be that other behavioural issues have exacerbated the noise issues or that the noise issues cause the other behaviour problems to increase. Working on a holistic behaviour therapy programme would help either way. We humans tend to just cope with our dogs barking at various noises. We think that's ok. But, please do just stop for a moment and think about how your dog is feeling when they are barking at noise or indeed hiding away. These types of issues are so very frequently overlooked when considering aggressive dogs, for instance.
One final point to consider though, is that there are several medical conditions associated with noise sensitivity in humans, including lyme disease. So, if your dog’s sensitivity to noise changed at some point in their lives, then again, please speak with your vet or a behaviourist and ask them about these specific issues.
And a further final consideration: We can help to avoid noise sensitive problems arising in dogs by careful and gentle socialisation when they are puppies, and by including exposure to noises such as fireworks, gun shots, thunder, lorries, tractors etc. There are plenty of CD's available and even free downloads now to help with puppy noise socialisation. Have a look at the Dogs Trust site here for Sounds Scary and Sounds Sociable downloads.
Please note too that myself and some colleagues are working on a wee project looking at noise sensitivities. If you would like to be involved, please do get in touch. We are especially keen to hear from behaviourists working with clients with noise issues. Thank you.
And a further final consideration: We can help to avoid noise sensitive problems arising in dogs by careful and gentle socialisation when they are puppies, and by including exposure to noises such as fireworks, gun shots, thunder, lorries, tractors etc. There are plenty of CD's available and even free downloads now to help with puppy noise socialisation. Have a look at the Dogs Trust site here for Sounds Scary and Sounds Sociable downloads.
Please note too that myself and some colleagues are working on a wee project looking at noise sensitivities. If you would like to be involved, please do get in touch. We are especially keen to hear from behaviourists working with clients with noise issues. Thank you.
First Published in the Northern Times, June 18
Author - Anna Patfield , www.PawsAbility.co.uk
If you like, you can link to this blog using this link - Canine Sound Sensitivities.
If you like, you can link to this blog using this link - Canine Sound Sensitivities.