I know I make Loki sound horrible don't I? That's just because I work really hard with him. Most people who encounter him think he's the best trained dog ever. He's really a good boy and he tries really hard. I guess I just think that it's worth the effort to help him.
Anyway, it's all the same concept. You just have to build their confidence. In the case of him yelping when he's bumped, I would get some good treats (like chicken) and then feed him the chicken while you gently "bump" him. You do the same thing for dogs who don't like to be brushed or don't like to have their feet touched. You do the thing they don't like and feed them good stuff.
Like, if he hates the vacuum give him a treat every time you take the vacuum out. Or have him "tag" the vacuum for a treat. (That would be funny!) Or simply crate him when you vacuum eliminating the problem. See - lots of options!
When Loki gets worked up I call him to me and we do tricks. It distracts him from whatever upset him (in your case the vacuum handle) and then he gets rewards for being good. This is why the training is good - so you have things to work on.
I don't mean to overwhelm you! It's all the same concept. Most people would just write it off and say their dog was timid or whatever - but there are ways to fix it! I just wanted you to see that! Good luck!! |