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Rescue Dogs Scary Sounds

Rescue dogs, especially those that may have experienced trauma, can be very sensitive to new or unfamiliar sounds in domestic environments. Sounds that may seem normal to humans could startle or frighten them. Here are some helpful tips on why certain noises can be scary and how to help your dog adjust:

  1. Sudden or Loud Noises
    Why it’s scary: Unexpected loud noises like doors slamming, loud TV volumes, or dropping objects can mimic threatening situations.
    Tip: Gradually desensitize the dog to these noises by playing them at a low volume and rewarding calm behaviour. Keep their environment as calm as possible at first.
  2. Household Appliances
    Why it’s scary: Vacuum cleaners, blenders, washing machines, and dishwashers make noises that can seem overwhelming or unfamiliar to a rescue dog.
    Tip: Introduce appliances slowly. Start by letting the dog explore the appliance when it’s off. Gradually increase exposure while rewarding calm behaviour.
  3. Doorbells and Knocking
    Why it’s scary: These sounds are sharp and sudden, and often indicate that strangers may be entering the home, which can trigger anxiety.
    Tip: Practice desensitization by creating a positive association with the sound, such as using treats or a calm, reassuring voice when the doorbell rings.
  4. Footsteps and Furniture Movement
    Why it’s scary: The sound of heavy footsteps, people moving upstairs, or furniture being dragged can be startling, especially if the dog isn’t familiar with multi-level homes or larger spaces.
    Tip: Give your dog a safe space (like a crate or a quiet room) where they can retreat to when noises occur. Start with small exposures, gradually increasing as they adjust.
  5. Outdoor Noises (Cars, Sirens, and Fireworks)
    Why it’s scary: Many rescue dogs are not accustomed to the sounds of busy streets, sirens, or fireworks. These noises are unpredictable and can trigger fear responses.
    Tip: Use white noise machines or calming music to mask outdoor noises. When outside, reassure your dog with calm, soothing tones and avoid forcing them into overwhelming situations.
    Fireworks can be especially scary to a rescue dog so to do some prepping before fireworks night is a really good idea.  A Thunder Shirt is a great idea.  The link can be found below and if I had not seen this with one of our rescue dogs I would not have believed it.  This product worked wonders!  There are many similar brands on Amazon that are more economical on the pocket too.  This really helped ‘Echo’, one of our rescue dogs over the years.
  6. Human Voices (Shouting or Laughing).
    Why it’s scary: Loud conversations, shouting, or sudden bursts of laughter can seem threatening, especially if the dog has experienced trauma related to human voices.

    Tip: Speak in soft, calm tones around the dog. If you need to raise your voice, try to do so gradually and keep a calm demeanour.

  7. Children’s Play Sounds
    Why it’s scary: The high-pitched and energetic sounds of children playing or crying can overwhelm a dog that isn’t used to these noises.

    Tip: Supervise initial interactions between children and the dog, allowing the dog to observe from a safe distance. Gradually increase exposure while ensuring that the children understand how to behave around the dog.

  8. Clinking of Dishes or Kitchen Sounds
    Why it’s scary: The sounds of dishes clattering, pots and pans clanging, or even the microwave beep can be unexpected and confusing.

    Tip: Let the dog observe the kitchen sounds from a distance. You can use background music or provide them with a calming toy to distract them from the noise.

  9. Wind or Rain Sounds
    Why it’s scary: The sound of wind howling or heavy rain hitting windows can be unsettling, especially during storms.
    Tip: Provide a secure space where your dog can retreat during bad weather, like a cozy bed in a quiet room. White noise machines can also help mask storm sounds.
  10. Metallic Sounds (Keys, Doors, and Gates)
    Why it’s scary: Metallic sounds like jingling keys or the clanking of a gate can be sharp and unfamiliar to a rescue dog, triggering a startled reaction.

    Tip: Gradually introduce these sounds in a calm setting. Let the dog explore objects like keys or doors at their own pace, rewarding calm curiosity.

Additional General Tips:

Safe Space: Always provide a quiet, comfortable place where the dog can retreat if they feel overwhelmed by any noises.

Positive Reinforcement: Reward calm behaviour around new noises with treats, affection, or praise to build positive associations.

Gradual Exposure: Avoid overwhelming the dog with all sounds at once. Slowly introduce new noises and give the dog time to adjust.

Maintain a Calm Demeanour: Your dog takes cues from you. If you stay calm and relaxed when a noise occurs, your dog is more likely to remain calm as well.

Occasional Accidents:  It is not uncommon when a rescue dog arrives to have a few teething problems with toilet accidents in the home.  Creating certain boundaries initially can help with this if it does occur.  A rescue dog will need to start to feel safe and get to know their new ‘layout’ and exit areas.  Shouting and chastising will only create more anxiety and make the problem worst.  Gentle hand motions and encouraging a dog outside without raised voices with make them less fearful and help them learn A LOT quicker.  Rewarding good behaviour when they get it right is always a winner!  Please note that some rescues just ‘get it’ right off the bat…  this tip is here to help ‘IF’ it should happen and not a, ‘it will’ happen.

Lastly, believe it or not, some rescue dogs have never experienced stairs in a home environment before, so introducing them to stairs, by leading the way with a treat and rewarding them at the top, with lots of praise and a reward for gently coming back down again or placing random treats on certain areas of your stairs for them to find and discover as part of a stimulus game can be quite fun!

Patience and understanding will help your rescue dog feel safe in their new environment, even when confronted with initially scary sounds.

It is important to remember that maybe NONE of the above will apply to your specific rescue dog but isn’t it better to be in ‘the know’ instead of the ‘not know’ 😉