Sheltie suffering when the printer is on

[Fainlysmom]

Our 5-1/2 year-old sheltie, Fainly, shrieks and moans whenever the printer has to go on, and continues until we get him out of that part of the house. However, when he's in the middle of his upset he runs toward the printer, not away from it, still shrieking. If anyone knows what the effect on shelties is from hearing a printer would you plet me know? This is just a simple home printer, nothing complex or some kind of mighty machine. We wonder of course too why he runs toward it; does he think it's an enemy to overcome, or is he in pain? Thanks for any advice you can offer

 

[SheepOfBlue]

Whine of the stepper motors would be my guess.

 

[Piper's mom]

I’d say it’s like anything else that bothers a Sheltie…mine would run towards it because they perceive it (for whatever reason) as a threat. Mine will bark at any number of things from raising the blinds, running the food processor to running the dishwasher! Blueberry will hear me pull out a puck and come running…she tries to attack and bark at it as I put it in and continues as I close the dishwasher.
I would suggest you work on desensitizing him…I’d run it for as little time as necessary while feeding him treats and telling him what a good boy he is. It takes weeks to fully desensitize but it can be done.
The key is to reward immediately as it’s running so he associates the noise with a reward. Eventually you’d phase out the treat and use praise.
Sheltie’s are smart…he’ll catch on quickly!
Good luck!

 

[Fainlysmom]

I’d say it’s like anything else that bothers a Sheltie…mine would run towards it because they perceive it (for whatever reason) as a threat. Mine will bark at any number of things from raising the blinds, running the food processor to running the dishwasher! Blueberry will hear me pull out a puck and come running…she tries to attack and bark at it as I put it in and continues as I close the dishwasher.
I would suggest you work on desensitizing him…I’d run it for as little time as necessary while feeding him treats and telling him what a good boy he is. It takes weeks to fully desensitize but it can be done.
The key is to reward immediately as it’s running so he associates the noise with a reward. Eventually you’d phase out the treat and use praise.
Sheltie’s are smart…he’ll catch on quickly!
Good luck!

Thanks so much for your thoughtful answer We will work on desensitization as you suggest. He is a very smart dog, and responsive. I'm thinking he'll catch on quickly. Thanks again!

 

[woof]

Our 5-1/2 year-old sheltie, Fainly, shrieks and moans whenever the printer has to go on, and continues until we get him out of that part of the house. However, when he's in the middle of his upset he runs toward the printer, not away from it, still shrieking. If anyone knows what the effect on shelties is from hearing a printer would you plet me know? This is just a simple home printer, nothing complex or some kind of mighty machine. We wonder of course too why he runs toward it; does he think it's an enemy to overcome, or is he in pain? Thanks for any advice you can offer

As others have pointed out there is some sound that set Fainly off even if you can't hear it--sometimes I have not idea what sets them off but off they go-- they do hear and smell better than we can so there is that. Good luck on the desensitization that can be a long road.