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From: William.Wilson@f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org (William Wilson)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: Wimp-dog
Message-ID: <16147@bunker.UUCP>
Date: 4 Dec 90 16:10:53 GMT
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[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

 CC> Recently, though, I have noticed a growing problem.  He is 
 CC> _terribly_ afraid of sharp 'cracking' noises-- fireworks, 
 CC> circus-animal tamer-type bull whips (in a circus setting! 
 CC> sheesh! Get yer minds back outa that gutter!), gunshots, etc.  
 CC> He used to just sort of quiver when he heard such sharp cracks, 
 CC> but he has taken to violently shaking and trying to hide or run 
 CC> away from them.

Carla,
    I know someone who had a similar problem to this with their guide
dog, and this is basically the advice she got from Seeing Eye...
    Since this is a fear response, it wouldn't be wise to punish it as
it is occuring.  Likewise, it would only reinforce the behavior if you
praised chance when he reacted this way to the noise.  Therefore, about
the only thing you can do is calm him when it occurs as quickly as
possible and praise him when he is totally at peace again.

     Personally, however, I would look into purchasing ear plugs, or
perhaps a WalkMan tuned to a station normally only heard in elevators
and dentist offices!
                                        Willie
 

... Like a bat out of Bellevue!

--
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