Creating Calm: Here’s How to Help Your Pup When Life Gets Loud

by Courtney Goblirsch

We’ve all been there. Your dog is chilling one minute, and then boom, someone starts the vacuum, or a truck rumbles by, and your pup is in full panic mode. If your dog is sensitive to sounds, you’re not alone. And the good news is, there’s a lot you can do to help.

Why Some Dogs React to Everyday Sounds

Dogs experience the world largely through their senses, and hearing is a big one. So that blender, doorbell, or even the clink of a pan can feel a lot bigger (and scarier) to them than it does to us. Add in a bit of uncertainty or past experience, and suddenly, your sweet pup is barking, hiding, or refusing to come out of their crate.

They’re not being dramatic or naughty. They’re just overwhelmed.

Start Small and Make It Positive

One of the best things you can do is introduce sounds in a low-stress, low-pressure way. Pick one sound, like the dishwasher running or a hairdryer from another room, and pair it with something your pup loves. Maybe that’s a stuffed Kong, a soft snuggle, or just some quiet hangout time.

The goal is for your dog to think, “Huh, that wasn’t so bad. I got cheese!”

Create Calm with Sound Sessions

If your pup gets worked up about things like thunder or fireworks, try doing 10-minute “sound sessions” during the day when everything is calm. Play those sounds at a very low volume and let them play in the background. Don’t make a fuss. Don’t even train during it. Just let them exist with the sound playing softly.

At first, they might bark or look unsure. That’s okay. You don’t need to jump in. Just stay calm and let the session run its course. Over time, they’ll start to realize they’re totally safe.

A Little Bit Every Day Goes a Long Way

Think of this like brushing your teeth. Doing it every day, even for a few minutes, is so much more effective than trying to cram everything into one long “training day.” Just 5 to 10 minutes of calm sound exposure or a quick vacuum and cookie moment is more helpful than overloading your dog once and skipping the rest of the week.

What to Do in the Moment

If something loud happens suddenly, like the garage door slamming or someone sneezing a little too hard, try tossing a treat or giving a calm “good job” if they settle. Over time, they’ll learn that unexpected sounds aren’t so scary, and sometimes they even mean snacks.

Give It Time

Helping a noise-sensitive pup build confidence doesn’t happen overnight. Some days they’ll surprise you. On other days, it’ll feel like you’re back at square one. That’s normal. Just keep showing up for them with calm, consistency, and kindness.

Your dog doesn’t need to love loud sounds, but they can learn to feel safe around them. Keep things light, go at their pace, and celebrate the small wins. You’re building trust and resilience, and that matters way more than perfection.