Rotties And Noise-Phobia Question

[Troodie's Mom]

Has anyone ever had a rottie that is afraid of that weird bloop noise made by a dying cellphone battery? Troodie becomes completely unhinged, and hides under my chair and shivers and her teeth clatter. Before I knew what caused this behavior, I took her to the vets thinking it was epilepsy. Then we figured it out! But sometimes my older son forgets and the phone in his pocket bloops and Troodie is a basket case for about 15 minutes.
So I'd like to know if anyone else's dog freaks out at strange noises like this, and also if anyone knows how to help de-sensitize a dog to noises, if that is even possible. Thanks!

[fostermom]

Try this. Find some REALLY yummy treats (like pot roast), and every time the cell phone beeps, feed her the treats and act "happy"...our foster was afraid of the vacuum, I started tossing him treats while I was vacuuming and talking in a happy voice to him the entire time...now he follows me around while I vacuum touching my hand, looking for treats...

I'm thinking if she's THAT reactive to the sound you might need to have someone hold the phone a distance away while doing this so she can still faintly hear it but it's not so close, then gradually decrease the distance. Good luck.

[FredAl]

Record the "weird bloop noise" and loop the recording so that it will keep playing the sound over and over. Play with your dog his favorite game. I find playing tug for desensitization is very effective because I can observe the dog's facial expression and body language while we play. While his drives are up, have someone play the CD -- first at low volume -- while you keep playing with your dog at a comfortable distance for him. Once you observe that he's used to that volume, ask your helper to turn it up. Continue the game.

If you notice that your dog gets bothered at a certain volume, turn it down to the level he was used to. Next session, start at that volume level while you play a really spirited game with your dog. Once you've noticed that his play drive is way up, increase the volume.

Don't force him into anything; let him acclimate to the sound on his own.

[Troodie's Mom]

Thanks for the suggestions! Maybe it is possible to de-sensitize Troodie to this sound. I will definitely try, anyway. Thing is, we never know when my son's cell phone battery is going to die. But I will let mine run down, put it at the lowest volume possible, and get some treats ready.I already know what her facial expression and body language will be- uncontrollable shivering and teeth-chattering while trying to hide behind me. Wonder why this noise terrifies her so much, more so than the garbage truck. She is not a timid dog by nature.
I'll let you guys know how it goes, thanks.