fun

Dear Dr. Mutt,

I have a nearly 3 year old Boxer/Pit-bull, neutered male. He seems to be terrified of lawnmowers, weed eaters, leaf blowers, cake mixers, and anything that makes that type of noise. He starts shaking uncontrollably and looks for a place to hide, such as under the table or beside the bed. He can't be comforted. If we get out of the car and there's a lawnmower being used anywhere within earshot, he panics and runs for the door.

On the other hand, he goes nuts trying to get to the big diesel trucks, you know semi's, 18 wheelers, and acts like he wants to "kill" it.

He's a very gentle, loving dog, friendly to all, and I don't have any fear of him harming or becoming aggressive with people out on the street. Children can come up to him and pet him, and they do. He loves the attention.

What can I do to help him with his "phobia"? Please, I feel so badly for him. Like I said, even the cake mixer scares him.

Preoccupied about the Pit

Dear Preoccupied,

I can't imagine that a Boxer/Pit-bull, neutered or otherwise, would be scared of anything! However, I'm not here to judge, just to try to help.

When he's outside, there's not too much you can do to help him except maybe get him a pair of head-sets to muffle the noise. If someone mows the lawn, you might let him inside, and while he's inside, you could refrain from using any buzzing appliances. This could take a bit of coordinating, but it can be done.

Try to get him accustomed to the sound of buzzing little by little. Start with having him sit near the washing machine while in operation, but beware of the spin cycle! If it catches him by surprise, this could set back his training.

Don't hurry him, but gradually move on to the shriller sounding machines. I must tell you though, that this fear of shrill sounds is by no means limited to the canine race. My mistress freaks out when she has to go to the dentist; and she whimpers pretty much like your dog when the drill starts up, and no amount of soft music or deep breathing exercises have helped either.

So perhaps just being the loving mistress that you are to your dog is truly all the reassurance he needs.

Hope this helps. Regards.

Sparky

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