vacuum cleaner stick on wooden floor
Photo courtesy of Laura Gendron, CPDT-KA, LFDM, FFCP
Many dogs leave the room as soon as the “vacuum cleaner villain” appears. They may shiver in fear, sneak onto the couch to hide, or even bite or bark at the vacuum to make it go away.
Why are dogs afraid of heights?
- Fear of the unknown: “What is this scary monster? »
- Sensitivity to noise: “Ow, that hurts my ears! »
- A past traumatic event: “This monster tried to bite me once! »
- Unpredictability: “This monster is moving everywhere and I can’t escape!” »
You can help your dog overcome his strong feelings about emptiness by first acknowledging how he really feel then using behavior modification to change those feelings from bad to good or neutral.
How to help:
Step 1: Provide a safe haven. It’s a place where your dog can go, be comfortable, hide and not worry about being vacuumed. Make sure your dog is already used to this safe space and associates it with good things. Before vacuuming, encourage your dog to retreat to this area and offer him something pleasant like a lick mat or a food-dispensing toy to pass the time while you vacuum.
dog looking at a vacuum stick
Photo courtesy of Laura Gendron, CPDT-KA, LFDM, FFCP
If your dog refuses to eat while alone in his shelter, have someone else vacuum while you spend time with your dog while he eats. Make sure your dog’s shelter is far enough away from the vacuum for him to relax.
2nd step: Behavior modification. Start accustoming your dog to the sights and sounds of the vacuum cleaner at a distance or volume where he shows no fear. One strategy is to scatter food around the vacuum when it is in the off position. Give your dog the opportunity to explore the void at his own pace without you touching or moving him. Be sure to give them space and the ability to explore the void and eat the treats uninvited.
When your dog is comfortable enough to eat and explore around the unplugged, stationary vacuum, it’s time to slowly progress to turning the vacuum on and possibly moving it around. You may need to start with the vacuum turned on, with no motion, then move to motion over time.
Always start at a comfortable distance for your dog and continue to use food thrown around the vacuum. The presence of the trigger (empty) should always portend good things (treats).
If the noise and motion of the vacuum becomes too stressful for your dog at any distance, start with a recorded sound of the vacuum instead in the first few behavior modification sessions. When recording is on, offer your dog treats, and when you turn off recording, the treats should disappear.
Step 3: Teach your dog a new behavior, such as go on a carpet. This behavior can be used to indicate your dog’s comfort level and willingness to start the vacuum. If your dog stays calm and chooses to stay on the rug or sofa, continue vacuuming. If at any point they get nervous or leave, it’s time to turn off the vacuum and give them a break.
dog on the bed looking at a vacuum stick
Photo courtesy of Laura Gendron, CPDT-KA, LFDM, FFCP
You may need to start vacuuming further away from your dog, but always watch his body language to make sure he feels safe as the vacuum gets closer.
Go slow and reward your dog for keeping him calm the whole way. Be sure to move at your dog’s pace, stop if he gets nervous, and always give him the opportunity to leave the room. You can leave the vacuuming task to someone else while you walk your dog.