Oftentimes, it’s the little things we overlook when it comes to training our puppy. We know they need to be housetrained and should be exposed to new people, places, and dogs. We forget about things such as everyday noises, especially since we are not affected by them ourselves. However, if you do not make an effort to associate these noises with positives like toys and treats, by the time your dog is a teenager, he will be noise-sensitive – barking at everyday noises and giving you a total headache.
Here are 15 sounds your puppy needs to learn to love:
#1 – Garbage Truck
Loud and scary, be sure to treat your puppy or play with him every time the trashman comes.
#2 – Garbage disposal
Run it empty first for a lower sound, and then work up to when it’s at its noisiest. Reward your dog for not barking while it’s running.
#3 – Vacuum
Half the issue with vacuums is their noise. Start your puppy early, and you won’t have to do rehab training later.
#4 – Food Processor
This kitchen appliance is high-pitched, which means it probably bothers your dog’s ears. Start by running it while someone else has your dog in another room, feeding treats, or playing. Work up to being in the same room.
#5 – Electric Mixer
Some electric Mixers are very loud, like the powerful KitchenAids. Get your dog used to them like you do the food processor.
#6 – Coffee Grinder
Another high-pitched kitchen utensil your dog will probably not enjoy unless she has a history of rewards associated with it.
#7 – Alarm Keypad
A lot of home alarm systems make a very loud beep when the buttons are pressed and when they are counting down to turn on. Desensitizing your dog to this noise will avoid a ruckus of his own every time you set your alarm.
#8 – Blow Dryer
This is an important one if you are planning on blowing dry your dog when he gets his adult coat in. Start with it on the low setting so it’s quieter. Once he is used to the noise, you can start using it on him.
#9 – Musical Instruments
Do you play an instrument? Be sure to play it quietly (at first) around your puppy to get him used to the sounds and what you look like when playing. Remember to reward for good behavior.
#10 – Lawnmower
Your dog will most likely not be in the yard (for safety) when you are mowing, but you don’t want him barking and lunging at the door, either. Get him used to this noise like you would any of the others.
#11 – Doorbell
One of the hardest for most dogs because they learn it means someone is at the door. You can combat this by not only rewarding them for good behavior when it rings but ring it a lot when no one is there, so your puppy doesn’t learn that it means “someone’s here.”
#12 – Knocking on the Door
Treat this one the same as the doorbell, and you will have a well-mannered, quiet dog to greet people at the door.
#13 – Dremel
If you plan to use a Dremel on your dog’s nails, get her used to the noise long before she needs them trimmed. This will make training that much easier when you do go to Dremel her nails.
#14 –Garage Door
Like the doorbell and the knocking, dogs learn what this means. You can safeguard your ears against your dog’s boisterous barks by following the same training tips mentioned for those noises with the garage door.
#15 – Kids’ Voices
If your puppy is going to be around kids at all, you can help her adjust to them by getting her used to their high-pitched, often loud squeals, laughter, crying, shouting, etc., ahead of time. Just play any video of a kid on YouTube or a movie to start. Eventually, you will move on to rewarding her around real children at a distance and then closer as she grows more comfortable.
Toledo, United States.
