How to Use the Flooding Technique
Flooding is a behavioral therapy method that is often used to help individuals with severe phobias. In flooding, the person/animal is exposed directly to the stimulus that elicits the anxious response.
Here you will learn about using the flooding technique in specific cases where dogs are afraid of fireworks.
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Instructions
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Take the dog to the area where the fireworks will be shot off. Be sure the collar is tight enough (two fingers should fit between the collar and the neck). Certain breeds require the collar to be tighter, so make sure the collar is tight enough that the dog can't get out of it.
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Stand with the dog when the fireworks are being set off . Do not coddle or pay much attention to the dog, as this will help the dog feel independent of you so that he will be more capable of overcoming the fear. Keep the dog in the situation as long as possible; don't offer treats and don't pet him--just either stand still with the dog or walk about the area. The dog at this point may not want to walk, and may freeze in place or want to exit the situation. As the stimulus continues to create the fear response, keep the dog there.
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Let the dog hear the noise. By doing so, are letting the dog know that the noise is not going to do anything else besides make noise, and there will be no pain associated with it. This will help the dog learn that the noise is safe. This sounds difficult--and it is--but the only way to break the fear with flooding is to keep the dog in the situation until the fear subsides.
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Do not leave until the noise is over and the dog is calm. Ways to note calmness in the dog are if the legs are relaxed rather than tight, if the dog's mouth is open slightly and there's no panting.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not give in to the dog's fear--this will only make it worse.
If your dog bites or becomes aggressive when the stimulus is present, hire a professional behavioral therapist.
