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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

I spooked my dog

21 replies

Blumbl · 02/10/2023 08:25

my dog is a crazy barker in the garden and we bought a high pitched noise machine which we use for one second maximum. I accidentally left in on at highest setting for 2 hours and now my dog is traumatised. He’s cowering under things and tail in between legs . I have given him lots of cuddles but he seems traumatised. Have I permanently damaged him ? He looks so v sad

OP posts:
Applelogo · 02/10/2023 08:26

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This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

Worddance · 02/10/2023 08:27

I would contact the vet and get a tranquilliser.

Newpeep · 02/10/2023 09:06

…and bang, one of the many reasons aversives are a bad idea.

You would have made his barking worse long term.

margotrose · 02/10/2023 11:32

Honestly, yes, you may well have done some permanent damage. Your poor dog.

lilyblue5 · 02/10/2023 11:33

Yikes..

LiesDoNotBecomeUs · 02/10/2023 11:40

An easy mistake to make - I hope it doesn't have long-term effect on his ears.

I guess he is a bit deafened and confused?

margotrose · 02/10/2023 11:41

LiesDoNotBecomeUs · 02/10/2023 11:40

An easy mistake to make - I hope it doesn't have long-term effect on his ears.

I guess he is a bit deafened and confused?

More likely terrified and in pain.

MuttsNutts · 02/10/2023 11:47

That’s horrendous. I don’t even know what to say to you other than that poor dog. Of course he is traumatised.

I hope the machine is in the bin. They shouldn’t be sold in the first place.

margotrose · 02/10/2023 11:49

I would also recommend a vet trip as you may have done permanent damage to his ears.

111111111a · 02/10/2023 12:09

Cruel! Vet. Bin the machine. Awful
Poor dog in pain for hours :-(
Why oh why would people get these machines

HarrietJonesFlydaleNorth · 02/10/2023 12:18

Bloody hell. When I read the title I thought it would be a lighthearted - oh he was scared of a cucumber or rag on the floor - hahaha thing :/

Vet for advice. I've no idea how loud the sound would be to the poor dog.

Also, how did you not notice for two hours that your poor dog was so scared?

margotrose · 02/10/2023 12:25

Also, how did you not notice for two hours that your poor dog was so scared?

I wonder if it was turned on while the dog was home alone.

nottaotter · 02/10/2023 12:32

I would visit vet for a check up. I know several dogs with no history of being exposed to anti barking devices who don't like smoke alarms etc so in general dogs are very sensitive to these hight pitch noises.

I would gently reassure him and dont force him out of his bed/area, let him stay in his comfort zone and bring food and water to him.

This is why aversive methods are not a good idea, the effects spill over into the rest of the dogs behaviour, they create more problems often.

Work out what he is barking at in garden, only take him out on lead, every time whatever he is barking at happens, eg other dog, people walking past etc, click and treat, until he sees the trigger and looks to you for a treat.

Floralnomad · 02/10/2023 12:34

Hence why these types of aversive methods shouldn’t be used , poor dog . I’d call the vet and see if you could have actually damaged his hearing aside from the whole trauma of it .

Roughashouses · 02/10/2023 16:27

How's your dog now @Blumbl? Did you speak to a vet?

Original poster
Blumbl · 02/10/2023 19:45

Much brighter thank you. I followed all the kind and helpful tips mentioned above.

OP posts:
nottaotter · 02/10/2023 20:36

@Blumbl that's great news well done! I am sure he will continue to improve over the next couple of days.

BristolBlueGlasses · 02/10/2023 21:09

I honestly didn't know that such things existed. What an appalling thing to expose your dear pet to. Poor, poor dog.

Dnendns · 02/10/2023 21:11

BristolBlueGlasses · 02/10/2023 21:09

I honestly didn't know that such things existed. What an appalling thing to expose your dear pet to. Poor, poor dog.

I agree. Absolutely disgusting.

margotrose · 03/10/2023 07:45

Please take your dog to the vet - you could have done permanent damage to his ears and hearing.

And chuck that awful device in the bin!

LiesDoNotBecomeUs · 03/10/2023 12:49

Blumbl · 02/10/2023 19:45

Much brighter thank you. I followed all the kind and helpful tips mentioned above.

Glad to hear this!
I hope his ears recover well and that you recover also - then find a better way to contend with the barking.

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