I think what happened here is most likely he went over threshold. He was uncomfortable and he couldn't get away and it kept happening. Next time, before they start working on the teeter, leave the arena and go as far away as you can again. See if he's able to stay calm there, then you can work on it there. Basically do Look At That, except it's more Hear That.
They make CDs that have agility trial sounds and stuff, you could try that. You might also work on loud sounds in general and see if you can't teach it as a generalized game. Clanging pots and pans around, dropping things that clatter when they hit the ground.
They make CDs that have agility trial sounds and stuff, you could try that. You might also work on loud sounds in general and see if you can't teach it as a generalized game. Clanging pots and pans around, dropping things that clatter when they hit the ground.
He's not phased by CDs with sounds or anything. We've done that in other classes (like show handling) and he doesn't care. We've walked around agility trials and the teeter didn't bother him, probably because it was a generally noisy environment - one bang in a quiet place is much more disturbing to him. I do bang pots and pans around, even make him bang them around, and he'll do it, or hang around for treats, but he still hasn't learned to enjoy it. He'll smack the pan lids with his paw like "See, I didn't like that but I did it. Can I have my treat now?" He's not phased by fireworks other than barking at them once or twice. He's fine with gun shots (hasn't experienced them in close range though). So I definitely wouldn't call him generally noise-phobic at all, just noise-uncomfortable? I was surprised he reacted so strongly.
I'll have to see if our instructor can help us work on it since I don't think getting a teeter of my own is going to happen. Unfortunately renting ring time is only for members.
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