Desensitization and counter-conditioning is what this dog needs. You'll have to record the sound of the wind, play it on and endless loop in your cd player, and start at the lowest volume setting possible. Work with your dog on obedience with reward like you normally would. Periodically turn the volume up on the noise. If your dog starts to be fearful, it's too loud, and you'll need to go back to the previous level until your dog is proofed. It takes a lot of work, and it won't change over night. Good luck.

dog clicker training desensitization counter conditioning

 

I think it's the actual wind and not the sound that frightens him. Might be the sound it makes as the wind blows across his ear canal, or maybe the wind across his body, but I'm pretty sure it's the force he feels more than anything

 

If it's the sensation of the wind, a variable speed fan can be substituted for the recorded noise, and it may be more practical as it could be the combination of noise and sensation. I have yet to figure out how to create wind on demand though, so a fan will have to do.

 

I have yet to figure out how to create wind on demand though

You're setting yourself up for all sorts of bad jokes here but this is a serious problem, so I'll go easy on you.

Maybe in a previous life he was Toto (from the Wizard of Oz, for you youngsters.)

 

Do you console your dog when he runs to you looking for shelter when the wind starts?

If so, that would only strengthen his believe that the wind is bad. A good reaction would be that you just ignore his anxiety. As soon as the wind starts give him some treats so that he associates wind with something good. Just be there but don´t comfort him with words and/or carress him - things like that would bring the dog to think you also believe the wind is evil and therefore you have to console him. Just stand/sit there talk to one another but try not to mind the dog apart from feeding him some goodies.
I know of dogs who were fearful of one thing or another where that treatment worked like a charme.
Maybe it will be helpful for this dog too.

 

If you want a faster method you can leash your dog up and go to the park on a windy day...keep him on leash so you can control him and when he starts throwing his fit you just ignore him and let him throw his tantrum...let him throw his fit until he gives up (don't talk to him, console him, pet him, etc). It's a faster way of desensitizing him. It may seem like it's traumatic but the dog is never in physical pain. Some people won't agree with this method but the method of the fan may not transfer to the outdoors; and besides, it's not going to last very long. The fact of the matter is, you can solve the dog's problem and let it seem traumatized for five minutes or so (and have the 100% positive people scold you a little)...or you can continue to let the dog live in fear. If you do the technique right it will break the dog and the dog can live normally outdoors thereafter.

Freeshadow was on the right track, just don't give the dog treats once it starts tucking its tail or throwing the fit.

 

Ya, brilliant idea...flood the dog. Take that chance in making it worse? And if it fails, what then?

 

Is wind harmful?

The only way it will make it worse is if you console the dog. The behavior he is experiencing is happening because every time in the past the dog has been taught that the fearful reaction is good and it helps fix the situation.

Flooding is a perfectly fine tool when the dog is not in danger of actually being harmed by something.

The dog has been taught to be fearful of the wind and as soon as it realizes that it is still alive after five minutes of struggle and no consolation it's going to be fine.

Do you have any evidence to back up that this technique will make the dog's fear worse?

 

i await the answer with baited breath. I was thinking the same thing Curbside, thank you for vocalizing this for me. By the way are you a professional trainer? from the extent of your expertise i think either a trainer or behaviorist

 

1. There is no such thing as an ethonologist.

2. I was referring to dog psychology or an ethologist.

If you have read any books on behavior problems, especially relating to fear rehabilitation, you will note that flooding is described as a useful technique. It is just another form of desensitization.

 

1. There is no such thing as an ethonologist.

2. I was referring to dog psychology or an ethologist.

If you have read any books on behavior problems, especially relating to fear rehabilitation, you will note that flooding is described as a useful technique. It is just another form of desensitization.

1) Are you now a spelling expert? People usually resort to these types of tactics when....ahh, never mind, I'll just continue to laugh at the example you make of yourself.

2) Ok, so your sources will remain nameless. I'm well read, but thank you for the suggestion. I recommend the same for you.

 

Case logic, hopefully you are taking the advice that is being given by alpha, myself as well as a few others. Your baby will soon calm down with men, if you use the treat method as well as having men back off from her when she becomes upset. It will probably take a few days but you will begin to noitce an immediate response. The first few times that your boyfriend uses the methods that i have suggested, she will react shocked, even quizical but she will come around.

As to other responses, i have hit the ignore button.

Good luck case, i am thinking about you both

 

I think you mixed up the threads!