boxer puppy/ scared of noises

Question
my daughter got a puppy, who is about 6 months old now. she is very lovable 7 is beginning to listen.There is just one problem; the dog spooks at any noise, for ex. a truck, a lawn mower, anything that has a higher sound. She will run away unless she is really restrained. We are worried, when taking her for a walk, she will break from their hold; leach in tow & run into the street. is their a way to desensitize the animal to the noses in her world.   cass

Answer
Hi Cass. You could make a tape, and play it as background noise to the dog. That really does help. They need to get her use to the sounds a little bit at a time. That's a start. Your daughter needs to stay completely calm when these noises happen. Dogs take their cue from us. I bet when your daughter sees a truck, lawn mower, or whatever sets the dog off, she tenses up because she knows how the dog will react. The dog senses that. Tell your daughter to stay completely calm. I'd also suggest obedience classes, and this also will help desensitize the dog, and will teach your daughter better ways to handle the dog. Make a tape, play it often, stay completely calm while the tape is playing. Go about what you normally do. The dog will see that the noises aren't anything to be concerned about. And, do the classes. You can find free classes, just talk to your vet. This really is the way to go with this dog. You'll be surprised at the difference in the dog. Good luck!