Scared of Shouting (mrstjohnson)

Kenya is like this.  DH is a big guy and he can be *quite* into his sporting events!  We haven't really "cured" her and I'm not sure we ever will, since she is a rather sensitive dog.  I don't coddle her and if I see signs of stress from raised voices I just look at her and say "it's OK, we're not mad" in a pretty neutral tone of voice.  If she's actually jumpy or trying to get away, I might redirect her by running through some basic commands so she can easily "earn" treats and get her confidence back, sort of like a Click to Calm thing (set the dog up for success, distract it from the stress inducing thing so it can earn positive rewards and start to associate those things with rewards rather than feeling stressed). 

Thanks for the advice, I will try that.  It is so disheartening to see him so scared.  I feel like if anyone ever saw him act that way they would think he was abused.  DH just gets into the sports thing, really that's it.  I will definitely try this...I think the Piston's are playing tomorrow

My dog Roscoe is like this. Since I got him from the animal shelter, I have no idea who did what to him when he was younger. Regardless, any yelling whatsoever by a man scares the living daylights out of him. My fiance and his friends watch sporting events together and they yell and scream. Roscoe will panic and will run into my computer room, and hide under my desk. Once I was LIVID at my fiance because he had pulled Roscoe outside by his collar when he thought they'd been in too long without a bathroom break, and Roscoe was so freaked out he jumped our fence (when we only had a 4 foot fence) and took off. Luckily he was wearing his collar and tags and a nice family returned him to us. It made me really nervous to go to work anymore on days when there would be sporting events. I have gotten mild success with having the company that yells (including my fiance!) call Roscoe quietly and give him some really tasty treats BEFORE they sit down at the TV. They'll pet him for a minute or two and then go do their thing. Roscoe will still hide, but at least will come when called this way. Is there any way you could try to get your DH to spend a little time with the dog before the game?

I am interested to read other peoples suggestions too, mine isn't a "cure" by any means.

mrstjohnson

Thanks for the advice, I will try that.  It is so disheartening to see him so scared.  I feel like if anyone ever saw him act that way they would think he was abused.  DH just gets into the sports thing, really that's it.  I will definitely try this...I think the Piston's are playing tomorrow

Yeah we have the same thing, everyone assumes Kenya was abused.  I have seen the property where she was born and raised and I know the person who raised her and if THAT is abuse then heck compared to my upbringing I've been abused non-stop, lol!  Coke on the other hand WAS neglected, but he is so happy-go-lucky and the more DH gets worked up over sports, the more excited Coke gets and is jumping around with him. 

Chop up some roast beef.  Every time someone cheers, feed the dog.  Honest.  If the dog is too scared to eat the beef, move to another room a bit away from the ruckus and start there.  Before too long, dog may start trying to figure out where ESPN is on the remote. 

I'm scared of shouting, too, and no one ever did much to me whilst shouting. I'm just naturally distressed by that kind of thing. Some dogs are that way, too. Penny has her face in mine whenever I make any kind of loud, strange noise, but if I shout she 's torn between getting in my face and running to hide. Never laid a finger on her. She just doesn't like conflict and highly roused emotional states. 

Liesje

Kenya is like this.  DH is a big guy and he can be *quite* into his sporting events!  We haven't really "cured" her and I'm not sure we ever will, since she is a rather sensitive dog.

*off topic...use PM*

Our household is pretty quiet.  But, when the RedSox are on, all bets are off.  The World Series was a bit traumatic for a few of my younger dogs last year and we simply told them that no one was bad....that it was a GOOD yelling.....even when DH or I had just verbally given the screen holy heck for a bad call.

Mine didn't shake or run though,just wanted up in my lap and away from the more verbal dad......so I'd vote for Anne's idea.  Roast beef tends to cure all ills.......

spiritdogs

Chop up some roast beef.  Every time someone cheers, feed the dog.  Honest.  If the dog is too scared to eat the beef, move to another room a bit away from the ruckus and start there.  Before too long, dog may start trying to figure out where ESPN is on the remote. 

That's a great idea!  Kia is like that too...get scared when there's yelling.  And during Viking season there is A LOT of yelling...because yelling at the TV helps =D

Like all labs she's a food/treat hound so I'll try that, it sounds like good advise and I'm sure she'll start to love Sundays instead of dreading them. 

glenmar

Roast beef tends to cure all ills.......

So many times things are so backwards here.  Why risk the savoring pleasurable taste of roast  beef against what the dog defines as an unpleasant experience.  At the beginning one has no idea which is stronger.  Keep food in its rightful place as nourishment and pleasure and adjust dog's unwanted behavior with your relationship, affection.

Another point that seems to always come up is the dog's ability to feel and sense our energy...fear, happiness, sadness, excitement.  Why is the dog not sensing the jubulation and joining in.

What I would do and this is just automatic with me and my relationship with my dogs.  Playtime is the time to gradually introduce shouting and googoo chaotic humane behavior.   I don't see how anyone cannot have different extreme level of voices when playing with the dog. 

DPU

Why is the dog not sensing the jubulation and joining in.

Perhaps because when your team is losing, or you get a bum call off a ref...you are not jubilant?

mrstjohnson

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Lisa...

I think using the food is an EXCELLENT idea and will likely work quickly. BUT be sure to adjust his othr daily ration as you use it....remember my motto..."No Fat Hounds" it's on the bumper of our vehicle, LOL.

Another point that seems to always come up is the dog's ability to feel and sense our energy...fear, happiness, sadness, excitement.  Why is the dog not sensing the jubulation and joining in.

What I would do and this is just automatic with me and my relationship with my dogs.  Playtime is the time to gradually introduce shouting and googoo chaotic humane behavior.   I don't see how anyone cannot have different extreme level of voices when playing with the dog. 

sport fans shouting at the tv aren't usually "jubiliant", DPU; they are MAD. Dogs can certainly tell the difference between joyful shouting while playing and Dad screaming cuss words at the TV. I think it would be kind of sad if your dog DIDN'T get a bit upset about Dad being angry.

mudpuppy

sport fans shouting at the tv aren't usually "jubiliant", DPU; they are MAD.

No way, its just a tv or a sport event...why would any normal person get "MAD".