Puppy Advice
Teaching your puppy not to be scared of noises
Proof your puppy against everyday scary noises such as thunder, fireworks and vacuum cleaners.
Sounds for Life
The aim of this soundtrack is to help prepare your puppy for life in the modern world. Noise phobias in dogs are common, and these noises will help prevent your puppy becoming afraid in later life. Regular use of these noises will also ensure that your puppy will be more confident in noisy situations and when having encounters with noisy objects for the first time.
The Sounds for Life Soundtrack includes
Car and traffic noises- Lorry air-brakes
- Trains
- Thunderstorm
- Gunshot
- Bird scarer
- Artillery fire
- Fireworks
- Aeroplanes
- Hot air balloon
- Helicopters
- Lawn mower
- Music
- Children playing
- Babies crying
- Party sounds
- Telephone ringing
- Kitchen sounds
- Washing machines
- Vacuum cleaner
- Hair dryers
- Aerosol cans
- Doorbell/knocker
- Letterboxes
Sounds for Life soundtrack
How to use
Start quietlyStart at a very low volume and check that your puppy is behaving normally and happily with the soundtrack playing quietly in the background.- Watch your puppyIf your puppy shows any signs of noticing the noises, or, worse, being afraid, turn the volume down – remember that dogs hearing is more acute than ours so they will hear at a volume below our normal hearing range. Do not leave the puppy alone while the noises are playing
- Create positive associationsPlay games and feed tasty treats frequently during sounds to ensure a positive association with the noises.
- Short training sessionsThe full soundtrack is 25 minutes long so break it up into sections and play for just 5 minutes at intervals during the day at first.
- Positive attitudeYour attitude is important. Stay positive and happy, using the volume to reduce noises if there is any concern, rather than being overly sympathetic or showing concern yourself. In this way, your puppy will see that you are not worried and can relax.
- Gradually get louderDuring successive plays, gradually increase the volume, never going higher than the puppy can easily cope with.
- Practice regularlyPlay these sounds every day until your puppy is happy to accept the noises played at a volume comfortable for humans. Then continue to play once a week until your puppy is 1 year old.
Preparing for Fireworks Night
The following video contains some additional tips to help prepare your puppy for fireworks night.
How can your Puppy School Tutor help?
The topic of training to be comfortable around noises is not specifically taught on the Puppy School syllabus. But if you would like some additional advice, please speak to your tutor to find out how they can help you further.
In some cases they may recommend a home visit to provide additional 121 support and guidance for you, your family and your puppy.
Need more help?
If your puppy is already showing significant worries around certain noises or if they are generally very sensitive and spook easily, additional support may be required outside the remit of a puppy trainer.
In these cases it is best to seek professional help fast. Your tutor will be able to help you find an Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) registered Clinical Animal Behaviourist when further advice and support is needed.
Testimonials
What Clients say
about Puppy School
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“Hayley and Peter were extremely knowledgeable, friendly and patient with Maple. The classes were very engaging and it was an absolute joy to watch Maple learn and grow! ”— Sherry
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“We had a wide range of breeds with us and Amanda knew the traits of each so well, knowing how to approach training with them all and adapting when necessary. Amanda made it so fun for the pups and us humans! Corky and I will miss it!”— David
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“We absolutely loved attending puppy school with Elsa. The classes were so interesting and engaging, and we could really see how much Elsa learnt each week. Her confidence has grown so much, and the training tips have made a big difference at home too. Sandie was fantastic — so friendly, patient, and knowledgeable. She made every class fun and interesting, which created such a relaxed and positive environment for both puppies and owners. It never felt overwhelming, just enjoyable and really rewarding. I would highly recommend these puppy classes to anyone with a new puppy. It’s been such a valuable experience for both of us!”— Stanley
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“The venue was great, easy to park. It was interesting being part of group and watching others practice. Lottie is a brilliant instructor. Her knowledge of dog behaviour is impressive and she shared it readily. She was well prepared for every lesson. The booklet provided before the course was really helpful. Lottie was always happy to spend time discussing issues further with members of the class. She always encouraged the efforts of the owners and dogs. You can tell that Lottie is a passionate teacher. Thank you very much.”— Alison
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“It’s a fantastic course. The small sizes also really allow for personal tailoring if the exercise to suit my puppy. Neal made me so at ease when I struggled with something and there was never a I time I felt embarrassed to ask him to reexplain something I was struggling with.”— Daniel