The Way That Vacuum Cleaners and Lawnmowers Affect Dogs
While there are really four stages within fear (fight, flight, freeze, or submit), with vacuum cleaners and lawnmowers it is usually presented by the majority of dogs with just two of the stages: fight and flight.
1. Fight: This is the most classic reaction for a lot of dogs. That thing that makes a lot of noise and moves around a lot is threatening, and the dog wishes to get the vacuum cleaner or lawnmower before it gets the dog. Classic symptoms include:
2. Flight: The sounds as well as the objects are so nerve-racking that the dog looks for the closest escape route possible. These dogs might:
While these two reactions to vacuum cleaners and lawnmowers seem diametrically opposed, they are actually on the same continuum. The behavior modification and training will have some similarities but also a few differences.
How to Help Lessen Your Dog’s Fear of Vacuum Cleaners
In order to properly desensitize your dog to the scary sound of vacuum cleaners, you can try Fearless Dog which is a CD with recordings of the most common sounds that dogs fear. You will play the CD on extremely low volume as background noise and gradually increase the volume until you’re able to work with your dog outside.
Music therapy can lessen some of the sounds, and you can even close the door to help. If vacuum cleaners bother your dog a lot, try giving him a PetAlive PetCalm 30 minutes prior to vacuuming to relax him. You can even sprinkle the scent of lavender throughout the room using essential oils.
This gives him a safe room to be in while you vacuum plus it is full of things he likes a lot to preoccupy his mind.
If your dog is a barker or shows signs of aggression towards the vacuum cleaner, a relaxer still helps the dog. This time, you would want the dog to be leashed so that he cannot approach and bite the machine. Another person needs to hold the dog and have plenty of tasty treats and toys on hand.
Stay a few rooms away from the vacuum cleaner if possible and practice redirecting the dog’s attention on to the handler by practicing his training skills. If he becomes overly interested in the vacuum cleaner and begins to bark, this is the perfect time to work on using your ‘Leave It’ command and redirect his focus using treats and toys.
If the dog has very strong reactions to the vacuum cleaner, you could begin the training process outside where the dog can watch through a window or open door instead but is physically further away to increase his comfort level.
Is cut grass toxic to dogs?
Nevertheless, there are some hidden hazards to keep in mind. Moisture from mowed grass clippings and warm temperatures can create mould in your garden. Consuming mouldy grass clippings can cause digestive issues for your dog. It can lead to reduced appetite, vomiting and changes in the stool.