Noise sensitivity in dogs can vary from one individual to another, and there are several factors that can contribute to it.
Genetics play a role in a dog's sensitivity to loud noises. Some breeds, particularly hunting and sporting breeds, were bred for their ability to ignore loud sounds. This may explain why Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers often adapt well to large families and noisy environments. Bouviers are herding dogs: they are bred to listen for the slightest sound that could mean trouble for the livestock or family they are guarding.
Socialization also plays a crucial role in a dog's response to loud noises. Exposing puppies to a variety of stimuli helps their brains develop more neurotransmitters, which can help them accept and cope with different sounds. Regular exposure to different noises, such as fireworks or thunderstorms, can help desensitize dogs to these sounds.
At The House Of Bouvs, we start puppy-brains developing and adapting to a variety of sounds early in life. Puppies are born deaf; but from birth, we believe they can "hear" or feel vibrations. We begin training pups with diurnal rhythms (dividing day/night, fast music/lullabies) from the day they are born. As their hearing develops, around 3 weeks of age, we mix into the daytime routine Victoria Stillwell Pawsitively CDs: thunderstorms, fireworks, city noises.
Negative associations with loud noises can also contribute to noise sensitivity. If a puppy is consistently startled or punished with loud noises, they may develop a lasting negative association with those sounds. This can lead to fear and anxiety when exposed to similar noises in the future.
Proper socialization from a young age is crucial, as it helps Bouvs become more resilient to different sounds. Additionally, training techniques that focus on positive reinforcement (when a pup faces a loud, abrupt, or startling sound), rather than punishment, can help prevent the development of negative associations with loud noises.
In cases where a Bouv is already sensitive to noise, playing music or having the television on at a moderate volume in the background can help reduce their reaction to loud noises. This background noise can help mask the sudden and startling sounds, providing a sense of comfort and security for the dog. (credit: Chris Cox-Evick)
Finally, there are times when reactivity to a loud or unusual sound can be inadvertently reinforced - making it a game for your pup to react to the sound then enjoy the attention of your reaction to the pup's reaction. When a pup, like Benny in the video clip above, isn't adapting to an every day (loud) sound, such as a blender, as yourself: Is this sound hurting my Bouv's ears? Should I remove him from the room? Or is he just reacting to my reaction? Has the morning blender become a game for my Bouv?
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