Luna and the Heating Vents.

Question
Hi Alan, I have a question about my dog Luna.  Luna is a female, black lab/boxer, 8 month old puppy.  We have had her for a 5 months and she has always been a shy dog.  She has gotten markedly better though as we have taken her to dog parks introducing her to new people and dogs frequently.  She still somewhat hesitates with new people and dogs but overall her progress has been great.  

Recently, a new problem has developed.  We live in a cold climate (Milwaukee) and consequently we've turned on the heat in our house in the last month or so.  As it's gotten colder, the heat goes on more frequently (maybe every 20 minutes).  When the heat is on a noise is made as the hot air blows through our vents.  We have a very old house and can not reduce this noise.  The obvious problem is that this really bothers Luna.  At first she would just notice it and be OK.  Now, with it on more often, she has become very nervous/anxious in our house.  She does have a few "safe" spots where the heat doesn't blow in as much but in general she is very affected.  She mostly paces, and looks at the ceiling (I think our ceiling fans blew slightly from the air) a lot and basically looks sad/nervous.  She has always followed us through the house but now it has gone to a new level.  There are certain areas where the heat blows in that she really struggles in, and therefore, she will walk briskly right through these areas.  I should also mention that she is completely normal anytime we're outside.

We have tried to play with her in these tough spots in the house (to make her think it's normal)and we have put her pillows in areas where she seems more relaxed. We have also taken her to the vet who said she seemed fine and gave us herbal relaxation pills.  It has gotten better, however, it still is at a level that is troubling.  I looked at your website but could not find any help for this area.  I'd really love any advice or guidance on this issue.

Thanks a lot,

Jason

Answer
Dear Jason,
Thanks for the question.

I'm guessing here, but I would be willing to bet that you tell her "IT's OK" and then try to console her. Stop that right now! (big smile). The only times she hears those words in that tone is when she is stressed and It's NOT OK, is it? Encourage her to play with her favorite toy instead.  


I want you to play this new game with Luna. Get several very small pieces of very tasty meat treats - about the size of a cheerio would be good.

DO this first step when the heat is not on and you and Luna are just hanging out. Say KICK but say it more like a sound than the word, sort of like KCK. Immediately give her a treat. Toss the treat on the floor in front of her. Wait until she finishes eating the treat and say KCK - again give her a treat, toss it to her. Repeat the sequence many times - 10 -15 times per session. Hold three session for the next two days.

If the heat comes on during these sessions, just tell her in a very upbeat voice, "There's the Heat!" wait a second, say KCK and then toss her a treat. IF she won't eat the treat, move to another location. Always be upbeat and enthusiastic - no more of that "Its OK stuff, right?

After two days of this, you are ready to help her get over the heat. Place some treats in several rooms, up and out of her sight, where she cannot get them and doesn't even try. Anytime the heat comes on, tell her "There's the Heat" and then say KCK - toss her a treat. If you don't have a treat handy, say it anyway.

After just a few times, she will learn that the heat predicts that you will say KCK and then give her a treat. This procedure coupled with the fact that she will hear the heat and learn that it really doesn't hurt her - will help her recover. Let me know how it works out!

Happy Training!
AT