Overcoming fear of dryer

[Andrea]

Noah has been getting groomed since he was little but has within the last few months developed a dislike of the dryer.  He almost panics both at home and at the groomers.  We have both tried stopping the dryer for a few minutes and reassuring him, but he just does not want the dryer on him.  Does anyone have any suggestions?  I thought about taking some treats for him to eat while he is being dried, also have a phone call into the breeder- also thought about giving him half a benadryl but not keen on giving him medication if there is another way.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Bluebell]

Without seeing him react or how either of you handle his reaction, I can only make a guess based on what you've written.

Stopping the dryer and reassuring him is not what I would do. This teaches him that you will stop if he makes enough fuss. I always start drying by pointing the air stream at their back. If they freak out, I keep it pointed there and tell them in a calm voice to settle. ONce they settle I move on to dry other parts. If they start up again, I hold the dryer pointed at them in a safe place (i.e. if I was drying the face when they started acting up, they could whip around and I could injure the eyes or ears, so I will lower the stream to the chest until thy settle).

This of course does not include senior dogs or dogs prone to seizures. If he is in no medical danger and is just making a fuss, you need to keep the dryer going so that he will learn that fussing gets him no where. I do not bribe dogs with treats to get something done. My dogs and my client dogs know what is expected of them when we are working. They get lots of praise and cuddles in between the steps (they even anticipate this - I'll turn off the dryer when they are done and tuck it away, and they start going wild since they know they are about to get kisses and cuddles), and a calm, reassuring voice during if they are nervous, but we do not stop for fussing. Most learn pretty quickly that fussing does nothing for me, so they don't bother trying.

[darwinsmom (Chris)]

I just finished reading Pat McConnell's "the Cautious Canine" (thanks Mary Ellen) and it talks about conquering any fear based behaviors. From what she writes, I would guess Noah had some sort of incident- ie the dryer was too hot, in his eyes, something that he felt he couldn't control to develop the fear response.

What she would say to do is too countercondition the fear response, not just the behavior. To do that, you have to start small, for example, treats and praise first for being in the room with the dryer, then for being close to it turned off, then for it being on low but not blowing on him, all the way up to being dried. The important thing is to treat his being quiet and calm at each step before you move forward, so that he associates the drier with good things rather than bad. Just forcing him to do it would likely only make it worse.

I'm trying to do this now for Darwin's fear of strangers, so I'm not an expert by any means. I did just read an expert's book cover to cover, though, lol!

Good luck,
Chris

[Princess Lucy Loulou (Tina)]

Sorry i'm no help,    Lucy has never had a problem with the blaster,  she even let's me dry her face with it as long as it isnt too close,  just wanted to say I hope he over comes his fear 

[Vino]

I think that what bluebell and darwinsmom said contain good advice. Really, while bluebell doesnt treat during the drying and has the dog tough it out, she is rewarding the dog for a job well done after the blowdrying. In both cases there is a reward for good behaviour.

[Andrea]

  for the advise.  I read a book by a master groomer-the book is "Happy Dog" by Billy Rafferty and he also suggests stopping and treating and helping the dog get over the fear of the dryer.  Noah  is ok with the dryer on his back, but hates it on his feet and head.  The groomer is really good and said that she will do whatever I think will work for him.  He gets groomed next Friday, so will see how he does.

[MattiesMom (MaryEllen)]

I would suggest that you practice at home.  I would use a regular blow dryer.  I would pretend (with it on, set to low) to blow dry him with it, while combing for just a couple of minutes.  Don't soothe him with your voice or hands.  Turn him around, like the groomer might.  Lift his feet, etc.  Then turn it off, say, "All done"! and give him lots of praise and treats.  Make it 3 minutes the next night, then 4 the next night, etc.  He needs lots of experiences with the thing he is afraid of to desensitize it.  One trip to the groomer every 6 weeks won't do that.  You need to desensitize him at home.  I know it works.  Sassy was terrified of my vacuum cleaner.  So, I would put it on near where I was sitting for a few minutes.  Sassy was on a leash and seated near me.  Of course she wanted to bolt, but I did not let go.  I said not a word...no soothing, no petting, nothing.  I ignored her behavior.  Then I turned it off and treated Sassy.  Over the course of a couple of weeks, I vacuumed for a few minutes each evening.  Sassy still doesn't love the vacuum cleaner, but she doesn't panic, hide, or run out of the room.  She just keeps a safe distance.  So, you can desensitize Noah.

[Annie36]

Jake is 2 and a half and HATES the dryer.....any dryer.....I have two pet dryers and one human and he hates them all. Maybe someday he wont hate it so bad

[Susan J]

I recently got THIS for Missy after reading how the noise from high velocity dryers can damage a dog's hearing.  Apparently the sound of the air moving is also very disconcerting to them especially around their head.

Missy hates having her ears covered but I think it does help with the dryer tolerance.  I keep forgetting to put my camera in her grooming area to take a picture of her wearing it.  She looks like a little refugee. 

[Andrea]

Susan, I just wanted to thank you for posting the link to the head snuggie.  I got one for Noah and along with some treats, he did not seem to mind the big dryer.  I used the hand held dryer on his face and neck and for brushing him while getting his final drying.  Did not have my camera and knew that if I got him down and then back up on the table again, he would probably be squirmmy. 

[Susan J]

Oh , I am so glad to hear that.      It's always good when we can find something to make our babies more comfortable.   

Missy had a bath today and she now knows to hold up her head afterward while I put her "earmuffs" on.    

She will get a little break over the summer months from blow drying.  Since her hair curls up in the humidity anyway, much like mine    , I think it is just as easy to let her air dry after using a blaster for a few minutes just to get the excess water out.