Dog Afraid of Planes - What to Do

The biggest, though well-meaning, mistake that people make is to 'comfort' the dog by patting, crooning, or otherwise fussing. That just reinforces the feeling that there is some reason for upset. Instead, when a plane goes over, just keep walking and ignore the behavior (not easy when he's leaping around like the bomb is falling). Watch your body language--keep it relaxed at all costs. He is taking his cues from you, and so make them positive ones. It takes time and patience, but it will work out. He's obviously very smart or he wouldn't be so observant.

martha m watches the dog whisperer i bet! and said exactly what i was going to. giving the dog attention reinforces that there's something to be nervous about. same goes for all his fears. just act as if nothing in the world is wrong, and move along. unfortunately you may be feeding his insecurities. you are his pack leader and he takes his cues from you. and yes, repetition - every time you are out with him when a plane goes over, project relaxed calmness, and act as if there is nothing going on...he'll get over it.

I would talk to your veterinarian about this and see if they can recommend or refer you to a veterinary behavior specialist (not simply a trainer but a veterinarian who is board-certified in behavior issues). What you are describing sounds like a form of anxiety and there are behavior modification programs that, combined sometimes with short-term medication, can help dogs like yours.

Whenever you see this behavior coming on just stand still in a relaxed state.

As a couple ladies said, you're reinforcing unwanted behavior - especially the comforting and taking the dog home.

You definitely want to check out the Cesar Milan or Victoria Stillwell for some tips on this.

Oh the poor guy! Just keep reassuring him. When he becomes afraid,
stop to reassure him. Guess like a child, get down to his level and look
him in the eyes. Good luck.

I have heard that putting a t-shirt on a dog calms them during a storm, etc. Are you brave enough for THAT walk? LOL

The dog we have now was completely sheltered and had never been outside so was afraid of anything and everything that moved. And we got her about a month before Halloween in a neighborhood that goes all out with decorations. If not for getting 'quite old' like you say, it was almost funny at first as her response were so skittish and jumpy to birds, airplanes, cars, rabbits, kids, bikes, bad weather...then came the scarecrows, and pumpkins...

I never even thought of hiring a specialist like suggested below. It just didn't occur to me. My approach was constant exposure to help teach her normalcy. I role modeled confidence to her. I would tell her in a happy, positive voice what she was seeing and reacting to, using her name and strong eye contact.

I would recommend you sit on a lawn or grassy area and just play with her under the open sky. I don't recommend walking, b/c that will make her feel like she's on duty and needs to be protective and needs to be 'on watch.' Just sit and pet her, stroke her, play fetch, have a few treats nearby, then when a plane approaches, tell her in a happy, confident tone, 'Oh, look Doggie's name, a plane, a plane, yeah a plane.' Smile big like you are really happy about it. Rub her extra in her favorite spots too.

The other helpful item for us was we rode our bikes to school and I put her on a leash and she had no time to react to all the scary things. She tried to in the beginning, but the bike just kept rolling and she'd have to keep up. I think the bike ride made her learn to forget about it quicker and move forward. Because I was not stopping for her scaredy cat reactions while on my bike.

Hope something helps.