Why do certain sounds scare dogs?

Evolutionary history

Dogs are descended from wolves, which are predators that rely on their hearing to hunt and survive.

Personal experiences

Dogs can also learn to be afraid of certain sounds through negative experiences. 

Health issues

Dogs with certain health conditions, such as hearing loss or tinnitus, may be more sensitive to noise and more likely to be afraid of it.

Stress

Dogs that are feeling stressed or anxious may be more likely to react fearfully to noise. This is because noise can be a trigger for stress.

How to help 

Be calm and reassuring. Your dog will pick up on your emotions, so it's important to stay calm and reassuring when they are around noise.

If your dog

If your dog is so afraid of noise that they are unable to function normally, you may need to seek professional help from a certified animal behaviorist.

Obedience training for dogs