Every sound doesn’t need to be an emergency

Noise sensitivity explained

Dogs hear four times farther than humans and can detect higher-frequency sounds. What seems like background noise to you might be genuinely alarming to your dog.

Noise reactivity happens when a dog hasn’t been desensitized to everyday sounds, has had a negative experience with a specific sound, or has a naturally lower threshold for arousal. Some breeds are more prone to noise sensitivity than others.

There’s also a spectrum. Some dogs bark once and settle. Others escalate to full panic — barking, pacing, hiding, destructive behavior. Where your dog falls on this spectrum determines your training approach.

Desensitization: Teaching your dog that sounds are boring

Desensitization means gradually exposing your dog to the triggering sound at a low enough level that they don’t react, and slowly increasing the intensity over time.

• Identify triggers: Make a list of sounds that set your dog off. Rank them from least to most triggering.
• Start quiet: Play the sound at the lowest volume possible. If your dog doesn’t react, that’s your starting point.
• Pair with good things: While the sound plays quietly, give your dog treats, a Kong, or a calm activity. Sound = good stuff.
• Increase gradually: Over days and weeks, slowly raise the volume. If your dog reacts, you’ve gone too fast — drop back.
• Practice in context: Once recorded sounds work, start incorporating real-world exposure at manageable levels.

Free sound libraries for dog desensitization are available online. Bubbas’ plan includes links to recommended sound playlists.

Counter-conditioning: Changing the emotional response

While desensitization reduces reactivity, counter-conditioning changes how your dog feels about the sound. Instead of “that noise is scary,” your dog learns “that noise means chicken.”

• The moment the sound occurs (at manageable volume), immediately deliver a high-value treat
• Your timing matters: treat should come within 1 second of the sound
• Repeat hundreds of times. This isn’t a trick — it’s building a new emotional association
• Over time, your dog will hear the sound and look to you for a treat instead of barking
• Gradually delay the treat so your dog learns to stay calm for longer before being rewarded

Managing barking while you train

Training takes time. While you’re working through the plan, here’s how to manage the day-to-day barking.

• White noise or calming music can mask triggering sounds
• Close windows and blinds to reduce auditory and visual triggers
• Use a “quiet zone” — a room farther from the source of triggering sounds
• Don’t yell. Yelling is just barking along with your dog from their perspective
• Interrupt gently: a treat scatter on the floor can break the barking cycle without punishment