Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Our 2 year old Boxer mix "Dakota" is very afraid of people coughing. She starts to shake and gets really fearful. When this happens, it is hard to distract her for at least 10 minutes. How can I show her that us coughing is not a scary thing? Thank you for ANY suggestions!
-Beth

I got my terrier when she was 2 months old. She was afraid of anyone that sneezed. She would run and hide.

I read up on dog fears and found that desensitizing was the best way for us to go. When I sneeze I just ignore her and over time she had gotten much better. She will look at me, but she does not run away and hide any longer.

I also read try doing activity that the dog loves and cough, several times, when you are having fun. Never cuddle or tell them all is ok, that just reinforces that is ok to be scared. Also do not punish in any way.

Is your dog a rescue? How old was the dog when this started?

Cheryl

No she is not a rescue. It started a year or so ago I think. I believe it started when I bruised my ribs from coughing too much. Then one day I got hiccups and it freaked her out. We never cuddle her or punish her for being scared. We completely ignore her. But I noticed that if she is at the dog park running around, she ingores US when we cough. I'm finding there is a thin line between trying to make coughing a good thing, and accidentally reinforcing negative behavior on her part. I've read that coughing up a dog treat is a good way to go, but I dont want to have to do that every time we cough. Thank you for replying! Any more advice is appreciated.
-Beth