QuestionWe own a 6-month sheltie pup. He is terrified of cooking food. To the point he runs to the other room and hides under furniture. Any suggestions on how we can help with his anxieties
AnswerHi John!
That is terrible (-funny yes, but also terrible for your pup).
Clearly something is going on there based on past experience. We can speculate on what he is afraid of and give suggestions how to solve it.
There is likely a consistent noise he associates with a VERY BAD THING in the kitchen. For instance, I took a polaroid of my Sheltie at about that age, and now he has a militant fear of cameras because the flash and noise scared him. In your kitchen it could be the silverware drawer, pots and pans clinking, cabinets closing... who knows.
What you can do is pick him up and hold him before and during kitchen activity. Lavish praises on him and tell him it is ok. Give him treats while he is being good. Do this a few times and see how he responds. The bad part is he might be underfoot in the kitchen for the next 12-14 years of his life.
If that doesn't work, crate him during food preparation. The crate is his safe place, and he should be reasurred by being in the crate during the times of "scary noises".
We have never cured Possum of the camera. In fact, the militant reaction has carried over to the blender, vaccum, and even my electric toothbrush. We have taken to calling him our Amish dog because he is against electrical appliances. Sometimes when instinct says "DEFEND AGINST X" it is hard to reprogram.
Hope that helps!
'sneezs
Dave
