NOISE ANXIETY CAN START when the dog experiences a traumatic incident, such as a loud, heavy thunderstorm. In most cases the triggering factor is not as obvious. Some dogs develop noise anxiety gradually. For others it is evident from their puppy days onward. There might be a genetic aspect to the condition. Studies have shown that some breeds, such as herding dogs, are more likely to be frightened by loud noises².

In all cases it’s important that the people around the fearful dog stay calm and behave normally during the situations that trigger noise anxiety. Most dogs are sensitive to the owner’s behaviour.