Terrified of lawn mowers

[Sandra]

My 6 year old lab/pointer mix is a dog I rescued from a shelter four years ago. Spencer has a few issues, but the most difficult one for both of us is his complete and abject fear of lawn mowers. Spring, summer and fall are a complete nightmare. Once he hears a lawn mower, he immediately begins pacing, drooling, shaking, and whining. Nothing anyone does comforts him. I've tried drowning out the noise with white noise but nothing works. Once he hears a lawn mower, he is basically done for the day. He is a nervous wreck during lawn mowing season, and frankly I am too. He is so frightened of lawn mowers that oftentimes he will start getting nervous just because the sun comes up. He is currently taking amitriptylene, but it doesn't really make much of a difference. I don't want to completely sedate him. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks.

[Carmen Buitrago, MSc, CPDT]

Noise phobia is definitely treatable, but it take time, patience, diligence on your part, and you'll need help from a qualified professional with experience in this treatment. I've attached our article, Finding Professional Help, so that you can find a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB or CAAAB) in your area or a Veterinary Behaviorist (Dip ACVB) for guidance in setting up a treatment program. That's great that he's on medication, but if it's not helping, there are several others that you could try that may help you more.

I've also attached our article, Canine Noise Fear, which you should find quite helpful.

Best wishes,

Carmen Buitrago, MSc, CPDT
ASPCA Animal Behavior Center

[Sandra]

Thank you so much.