My dog hides when I cook. How can I help her with kitchen anxiety?

Question

My dog goes under my bed now every time I cook because the smoke alarm went off once. What can I do to relax her so she doesn't feel like she has to hide? Pet's info: Dog | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Female | spayed | 5 years and 2 months old | 17 lbs

Dr. Davis · Accepted Answer

This can take a long time and patience to fix. Start with having Chloe on the leash and go into the kitchen and give her treats. Ask her to sit, walk in and out of the room and give lots of praise and treats. Then have her sit with you in the kitchen while you are petting her until she relaxes. After doing this for several days hopefully she will be able to walk into the kitchen, eat treats and be relaxed. Then bring her into the kitchen and have her sit with you when someone else starts cooking. Keep feeding her treats and pet her. She only needs to stay there for a few minutes to start then gradually increase the time. You want her to associate getting tasty treats with being in the kitchen, and with you praising and petting her for staying there. As she gets more relaxed you can try shutting the bedroom door also so she can't get in there to hide. She should improve but this may take some time. I'm glad you are helping Chloe get over her fear. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Chloe.

My dog hides when I cook. How can I help her with kitchen anxiety?

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