Dogs can harbour anxieties and phobias just like we do, though often to an even greater extent. Common phobias often include vacuum cleaners, thunder or any loud, sudden noises, but some rescue dogs in particular can have even more irrational-seeming fears such as brooms.

If you have had your dog since puppyhood, you may be able to work out the triggers which make him behave this way. However, rescue dogs can often present more of a challenge, as less is known of their history.

Puppy to Adult

As a puppy is growing up he will naturally come across a wide range of new and potentially frightening, even terrifying, situations. But with the reassuring presence of his mother, brother, sisters, and eventually his owner, the young dog can get used to dealing with them. Any dog's future depends on his early experiences and training, as does his capacity to assess situations more or less likely to cause fear or distress.

Another factor is where and how the puppy has been raised. If reared in a quiet, remote area where he is unaccustomed to everyday noises, then he will of course become immediately suspicious or fearful if rehomed to a noisy environment. Many rescue dogs experience this, and Battersea receives some who have never been socialised with other dogs, let off a lead, or taken out much, so fear of traffic noises is a common phobia.

Equally, if adult dogs develop a fear then this could rub off onto a litter. It is important to introduce any puppy to as many different noises and places as possible whilst he is young enough to decrease the chance of such phobias arising later in life.

Even if an adult dog finds certain situations terrifying, it is never too late to take remedial action. There are a number of ways of lowering the dog's level of sensitivity to anxiety-causing stimuli. Thunderstorms often cause panic for several reasons. Firstly, changes take place in atmospheric pressure and humidity, which dogs are far more sensitive to than humans. Then there are changes in light conditions; in particular a darkening sky and flashes of lightening. Finally, there is usually heavy rainfall punctuated by loud claps of thunder. Although it is clearly not possible for the owner to familiarise the dog with all these eventualities, much can be done to overcome any fear of loud noises.

Desensitisation

The method is quite simple: play your dog a recording of thunder; initially so low that he does not react, then gradually increase the volume after a few days, but don't rush this part or you could end up undoing all your good work.

At the same time, reassure him, play with him and reward him with his favourite treats and toys. A dog will not eat if he is afraid. Therefore, if he accepts a piece of treat during this training session then you are well on your way to winning him over. You will then be able to use this system to block out any noises from outside; the trick is to distract your dog with pleasant alternatives to the noise causing the phobia. This will involve some work on your part as you will need to provide these distractions whenever there is a thunderstorm, for instance, but in time you should succeed in totally desensitising your dog to the problem.

There are a number of soundtracks available with a range of noises - from children crying, fireworks, gunshots etc. - that you can use to help with the process. These are available from any major music retailers. Alternatively, you could record some soundtracks of your own to play back to your dog.

Four Easy Steps to Dealing With Phobias

• Play your dog a recording of the sound that frightens him, but remember to start with the volume low and build it up gradually
• Offer your dog treats or initiate a game at the same time, to distract him from the recording
• If he takes the treat or joins in the game, praise him
• Repeat this procedure every time you encounter the phobia, and in time your dog will become more relaxed and desensitised