Quote:
Originally Posted by navillusc  He reminds me of some kitties I've had...the simplest unknown noise and they'd act like they were beaten half to death twice daily and at every meal on Sunday. lol They'd never had a hand laid on them...just so skittish...especially the little ferals. I learned with them...the kitties...to always 'announce' I was going to make a noise, and continue 'announcing' while the noise was occurring...like "Mommy's going to make noise now...I'm gonna [grind coffee beans...run the vac...etc.] but it's okay...it's okay...it's okay..." and quit talking only after the noise has quit so my voice carried all the way through the uncomfortable noise. They got where they'd still flinch, and have 'worried looks' on their faces, but would wait the noise out and relax when it was quiet again. If I forgot to 'announce' I would apologize...and I really was sorry I distressed them. What won't a fur baby put you through?  
I hope you are able to alleviate his anxiety quickly. I hate to see them distressed, too. {{{Hugs}}} |
Great advice! This approach is also good for a lot of autistic/severely developmentally delayed! I think dogs like that are overly responsive to sensory stimuli, hence the positive response when you lrepare (warn/cue) and reassure/sooth.