Dog Scared of Repetitive Loud Banging Noises

Our 2 year old Rhodesian Ridgeback X panics when someone is either using a hammer, lawnmower, axe to chop wood. Loud repetitive noises. She tries to bite whoever is using the tool. We rescued her when she was very young from an Animal Shelter so we are not sure what happened to her prior to coming to our home (she was abandoned as a pup). The concern is she jumps at the nearest person sometimes when this is happening and it was our friends 18 month old daughter last weekned. If anyone has any ideas that could help? She is the love of our lives and we would hate for something terrible to happen.
Posted: 13/06/2008 

Answer: Scared of Repetitive Loud Banging Noises
I will suggest inlisting a qualified animal behaviourst. This may be a expensive avenue, although it will see results. Your behaviourst will teach her to assoicate the scary noises with happy and enjoyable responses. Please note that a university trained behavioust will be required. A trainer maybe ok but if a under qualified indervidual may make the issue worse. Animal Behaviourst usually work in conjunction with your vet so you may need to see your vet for a referal.
Posted: 21/06/2008