Treat Party Training Protocol for Dogs with Sound Sensitivities

Treat Party Training Protocol for Dogs with Sound Sensitivities by Will Bangura, M.S., CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, (Dog Behaviorist), Certified Behavior Consultant.

Introduction

Dogs with sound sensitivities, fears, and phobias can experience great stress and anxiety when exposed to loud or unexpected noises. These sounds can range from thunderstorms, fireworks, construction work, etc. This can lead to negative behaviors such as hiding, barking, or destructive behavior. But with the right training and approach, these dogs can learn to feel more confident and relaxed in the face of these sounds. One effective method for helping dogs overcome their sound sensitivities is the Treat Party Protocol.

As far as I know, Dr. Amy Cook, Ph.D., is the person credited with coming up with this technique. The Treat Party Protocol is a step-by-step process that starts with very quiet sounds and gradually increases the volume and intensity of the sounds over the course of several weeks. By breaking the process down into manageable steps, dogs can learn to associate sounds with positive experiences and eventually overcome their fears and phobias. The key to success with the Treat Party Protocol is to proceed comfortably for the individual dog and always provide plenty of treats and positive reinforcement.

Instructions

The Treat Party Protocol is based on the principle of positive reinforcement. You will need a treat pouch full of high-value treats that your dog loves, such as cut-up cooked chicken or small pieces of hotdog. The first step is to drop something and make a noise. When you do this, get excited and say, “What was that? Treat party!” Then, immediately toss a few treats on the floor, have fun, and play with your dog. When the treats are eaten, repeat the process.

At any time, if your dog seems concerned or anxious because of the sounds, it means you are moving too quickly and need to back up to quieter objects. The Treat Party Protocol starts with very quiet sounds and gradually increases the volume and intensity over the course of several weeks. Each week, you will introduce new sounds and items, starting with soft toys or balls and gradually moving on to louder sounds, like large noisemakers or speakers playing sounds at a moderate volume.

Week 1 (Very Quiet Sounds)

Soft toys or balls
Lightweight cardboard boxes
Soft-covered books or magazines
Fabric or felt items, such as gloves or hats
Small plastic containers or bottles (with lids securely fastened)
Empty plastic bags or paper bags
Soft pillows or cushions
Stuffed animals or plush toys

Week 2 (Quiet Sounds)

Medium-sized plastic containers or bottles (with lids securely fastened)
Small or medium-sized metal objects, such as keys, coins, or metal spoons
Medium-sized cardboard boxes or containers
Plastic or metal bowls or plates
Hard-covered books or magazines
Empty plastic containers, such as yogurt or margarine tubs
Medium-sized wooden or plastic toys

Week 3 (Slightly Louder Sounds)

Crinkly plastic or paper bags or wrappers
Small or medium-sized balls or toys made of harder materials, such as rubber or hard plastic
Small or medium-sized metal bells
Small or medium-sized glass jars or bottles (with lids securely fastened)
Noisy toys or objects with a medium or high-pitched sound (be careful not to create too much noise and scare your dog)

Week 4 (Moderate Sounds)

Medium-sized metal bells
Medium-sized glass jars or bottles (with lids securely fastened)
Small or medium-sized plastic or metal buckets
Noisy toys or objects with a high-pitched sound (be careful not to create too much noise and scare your dog)
Small or medium-sized metal pans or baking sheets

Week 5 (Louder Sounds)

Large plastic containers or buckets (with lids securely fastened)
Large metal pans or baking sheets
Small or medium-sized wooden or metal xylophone
Small or medium-sized plastic or metal drums
Loud noisemakers, such as party horns or whistles (be careful not to create too much noise and scare your dog)

Week 6 (Very Loud Sounds)

Large metal bells or chimes
Large glass jars or bottles (with lids securely fastened)
Large plastic or metal buckets
Large noisemakers, such as air horns or foghorns (be careful not to create too much noise and scare your dog)
Small or medium-sized speakers playing sounds at a moderate volume (e.g., thunderstorm or fireworks sounds)

Monitoring Progress and Troubleshooting Setbacks

It is important to regularly monitor your dog’s progress as they go through the Treat Party Protocol. When exposed to new sounds, you should pay close attention to their body language, behavior, and overall comfort level. If you notice any signs of anxiety or fear, it may indicate that you are moving too quickly or that the sound is too intense for your dog at this time.

To troubleshoot setbacks, it is essential to identify the cause of the setback and make adjustments accordingly. Here are some of the most common mistakes that can cause setbacks:

Moving too quickly

This is the most common cause of setbacks. If your dog shows signs of anxiety or fear when exposed to new sounds, it is important to back up to quieter sounds and proceed more slowly.

Using too much noise too soon

Dogs with sound sensitivities need time to adjust to new sounds, and it is important to start with very quiet sounds and gradually increase the volume and intensity. Exposing your dog to too much noise too soon can cause a setback and increase their anxiety.

Not using enough treats or positive reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is the key to success with the Treat Party Protocol. Using plenty of treats and praise to reinforce positive behavior is important. Not using enough treats or positive reinforcement can cause a setback and reduce your dog’s motivation to participate.

Not using a comfortable pace for the individual dog

Every dog is unique, and proceeding at a comfortable pace is important. Moving too quickly or exposing your dog to too much noise too soon can cause a setback and increase their anxiety.

Not paying close attention to your dog’s body language and behavior

Your dog’s body language and behavior can provide valuable insight into their comfort level and level of anxiety. Paying close attention to these cues can help you identify setbacks and adjust as needed to ensure your dog’s comfort and well-being.

By monitoring your dog’s progress, identifying and addressing setbacks, and following the Treat Party Protocol guidelines, you can help your dog overcome their sound sensitivities and improve their quality of life.

Summary:

The Treat Party Protocol is a scientifically-proven step-by-step training method aimed at helping dogs overcome their sound sensitivities, fears, and phobias. It involves gradually exposing dogs to increasingly loud and intense sounds while rewarding them with high-value treats and positive reinforcement. The protocol starts with very quiet sounds and gradually increases the volume and intensity over several weeks, allowing dogs to associate sounds with positive experiences. The key to success is to proceed at a comfortable pace for the individual dog and always to provide plenty of treats and positive reinforcement. The Treat Party Protocol is an effective and compassionate approach to helping dogs overcome their fears and can make a big difference in their quality of life.

It is important to remember that every dog is unique and may require a different pace or approach. It is also important to pay close attention to your dog’s body language and behavior and adjust the process to ensure their comfort and well-being. With patience, consistency, and the right approach, the Treat Party Protocol can be a highly effective tool for helping dogs overcome their fears and phobias.

Below is a great video by Amy Cook, Ph.D. on how to treat noise phobia in dogs.

Listen to a Podcast by Dr. Amy Cook Discusses Dogs with Noise Sensitivities