Does your dog run and cower when you take out the vacuum? Or maybe he rushes over and barks at the vacuum cleaner? Vacuum cleaners are one of the sounds that dogs hate. Marj Ediger, professional dog trainer, explains why dogs are afraid of vacuum cleaners and what to do about it.
Why are dogs afraid of vacuum cleaners?
Vacuums are noisy, smell strange, and are big moving objects inside a dog’s home, Marji explains, which is why dogs bark at vacuums. If you think a vacuum cleaner is noisy, imagine you’re a dog. They hear high-pitched sounds, which humans cannot hear, from vacuum cleaners and other noisy devices. Their barking or cowering is a fear response. In fact, this UC Davis study found that sudden loud noises are one of the main triggers of fearful behavior in dogs.
For some dogs, the unpredictability of a moving vacuum can trigger their herding tendencies.
What can you do to stop your dog from being scared or barking at a vacuum cleaner?
Desensitization is the key, says Marj. It’s easier with a puppy, but not impossible with an adult dog. Here are Marj’s tips to help your dog get used to the vacuum:
- Start by placing the vacuum in the middle of the room, unplugged, at a comfortable distance from the dog. Give a treat when the dog is unresponsive.
- Slowly move the vacuum back and forth, still unplugged. Give your dog another treat with no reaction.
- When your dog is comfortable with this, start vacuuming in another room. Come back and deal, deal, deal. Make it a puppy party!
- Slowly open the door and if the dog is ready – doesn’t react – do the Hansel and Gretel method of throwing treats in the direction of the vacuum. If the dog’s body language projects fear (pinned ears, tucked tail, etc.), take a step back and don’t push him.
- If your dog is older and already has a strong fear of vacuum cleaners, have him relax in another room or even outside. The key here is not to let him train more in responsiveness.
- If the sound of the vacuum cleaner even in the other room is too loud, search for vacuum cleaner sounds online and listen to them at a low volume. As your dog gets used to the sound, increase the volume gradually.
Since noise is often the number one reason dogs don’t like vacuums, quieter vacuums can help.
Other Sounds Dogs Hate
Dogs not only hear higher tones than we do, but also lower decibels, so they often hear things we can’t hear. Anything we think is noisy is shrill to a dog. Other sounds dogs hate include:
- fireworks
- mixers
- lawn mowers
- large delivery trucks.
Use Marj’s suction tips to help desensitize your dog to other noises in his environment.
While it’s necessary to get your dog used to the noises of their everyday life, remember that part of the reason our best four-legged friends hate vacuum cleaners is that they’re so loud they have ears pain. If possible, keep your dog out of the room where you vacuum or use other noisy appliances. This will save your dog’s hearing and make her a happier housemate!
