Training & Behaviour Problems

with Emmaline Duffy-Fallon

Rough Collie Panicking Indoors

Question asked by Kim:
Hi Emmaline, my dog is a rough collie and is about 5 years old. He is a nervous dog at the best of times and on a number of occasions when we were at work he went berserk in the house jumping up on the kitchen table, windows, getting into the bath, etc. We found him salivating profusely and panting when we returned – it looked as though he was desperately trying to get out of the house. We thought it was our neighbour’s gate banging that was spooking him as when this happened before while we were there he became quite panicked. But tonight for the first time he displayed this behaviour in front of us and continued to do this for a couple of hours. There were no noises we could hear and the weather was OK, i.e. no thunder so we’re very confused. In the past we thought he might have been bored but we have another dog in the house that keeps him company. The vet has seen him, taken bloods and nothing showed up. Can you suggest what may be wrong with him? I’m at my wits end with worry. Thanks in advance.

The answer from Emmaline:
This is an interesting question indeed. I’m happy to learn that you have taken the first step by consulting with your vet and have ruled out any medical cause for your dog’s behaviour.

From your description of events it would appear that your collie is suffering from noise phobia. Herding breeds can be more susceptible to developing noise phobias as a result of acute hearing so there could be a genetic component involved here and seeing as you mentioned that he is ‘nervous at the best of times’ this could be just part of who he is as an individual.

Noise phobia can also be learned through association. This noise phobia dog presents itself as one that demonstrates fearful responses specifically in reaction to a noise-related event. The fearful response is triggered not necessarily by the actual sound but by other factors that have contributed to his learned association previously such as a specific location, or if for example he sees something that he associates with the scary sound.

In an effort to escape from the sound that triggers his fear, a dog may chew at exit points or dig. Salivation, pacing, panting, vocalisations and sometimes elimination indoors is quite common too. It is worth noting too that sensitivity to noise generalises readily to other sounds. If your dog’s fear reaction has been triggered specifically by your neighbour’s gate slamming shut on a windy day or evening previously he could quickly become fearful of the sound of wind or storm noises (including change in barometric pressure in some cases).

So what can be done?

I would suggest managing his exposure to the sound when you are not home by confining your dog to another room other than where he is likely to experience the most severe level of this noise. Maybe an upstairs bedroom or another room furthest away from the sound should it occur in your absence. Consider leaving a radio or TV on to partially drown out the sound.

If it is possible to ask your neighbour to secure or dampen the slamming gate (bungee cord for example) then I would recommend that also.

The behavioural treatment for noise phobic dogs is desensitization and counterconditioning. This technique involves reducing the fear caused by the trigger (noise) through behaviour modification.

Another consideration would be medication (speak with your vet about this option). If you opt to take the route of desensitization and counterconditioning I would suggest that you enlist the help of a qualified behaviour counselor that would outline a specific treatment plan tailored to your dog’s needs.

In the meantime, you might consider non-prescription alternatives such as DAP – Dog Appeasement Pheromone collar/plug-in diffuser (a synthesized canine pheromone), Kalm Aid (in tablet or liquid form from your vet) or a thundershirt – www.thundershirt.com.

Best of luck and please let us know about your progress.