My Pet World: Helping a dog cope with the sounds of acorns hitting the roof

Cathy M. Rosenthal, Tribune Content Agency on Oct 14, 2026

Dear Cathy,

I have a six-year-old, female, husky shepherd who has a problem with noise, and the noise that is making her hide most of the day is the sound of acorns hitting the roof, deck, and ground. Surprisingly, she will come out on the deck with me when I sit out there but she’s always on the alert. If an acorn hits, she’s immediately up on her feet. But I reassure her and tell her she will be OK.

But we are surrounded by trees, so it’s constant during the day. What can I do to help her? Is there something I can give her or relax her, or do I just have to wait out acorn falling season. She is a sweet dog. I know there probably isn’t much you can do about a fearful dog. I read to desensitize her to the sounds and reward with treats. When she is afraid she doesn’t even really want treats, though.

— Jane, Vernon, Connecticut (Sassie’s Mom)

Dear Jane,

When a dog is in a state of high anxiety or panic, they are often unable to focus on food rewards. Desensitization can certainly help, but we first need to keep her under her “threshold” of fear.

First, consider a white noise machine or box fans to help mask the sound of the acorns hitting the roof. Second, create a quiet retreat for her in an interior room or another part of the house where the sound of the acorns isn't quite as noticeable. Put her bed there along with a favorite blanket or toy and let her come and go as she pleases. If she chooses to hide there when the acorns are falling, that's OK. She has found a place where she feels safer.

Next, try an anxiety wrap that she can wear. While it doesn't work for every dog, some find the gentle, consistent pressure comforting when they are startled by sudden noises. And I recommend combining it with a pheromone collar, which can help with mild anxiety. I also suggest talking with your veterinarian about a short-term anxiety medication to help her get through the peak of the season, so she doesn't spend her days in a state of chronic stress.

Finally, record the sound of the acorns hitting the roof on your phone. Once acorn season has passed, work on desensitization using the recording at a very low volume. This lets you control the sound and gradually increase the volume as she becomes more comfortable. The goal is for her to notice the sound without becoming frightened. If she won't take a treat, that's a good indication the sound is too much for her at that moment. When that happens, turn down the volume and continue the desensitization, more slowly.

You won't solve all her noise-phobias this season, but you will have 10 months to help her get ready for next year's acorn drop.

Dear Cathy,

I want to second your recommendation to Michael – and his five-year-old Pup-Pup who was not responding to training – about going to weekly training classes. I have two Havanese, and my four-year-old just didn’t seem to be bonded to me. She knew the basic commands because I had worked one-on-one with a trainer, but I took her to a weekly dog training class this spring, and it changed our relationship, totally. She is now my snuggle bug and wants to be with me everywhere. I can finally let her off leash on our trail walks, without worrying that she will take off. Thanks for all your good advice.

— Deb, Manchester, Connecticut

Dear Deb,

It is great to hear how much the training classes helped you bond with your dog. Training is about so much more than teaching a dog to sit, stay, or come when called. It gives you and your dog a way to communicate with each other and builds trust. Sometimes, that shared experience is exactly what a dog and their person need to finally connect.

Cat tip: When trying to bond with cats, keep in mind that they have their own ideas about when they want attention. Instead of always reaching them or picking them up, let them come to you sometimes. When cats rub against you, lean into your hand, or sit beside you, they are letting you know they want to connect. When they walk away, let them. The more we respect cats and give them choices, the more they trust us. Sometimes the best way to get closer to a cat is to give them space (just the opposite of dogs.)

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(Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, columnist and pet expert who has more than 25 years in the animal welfare field. Send your pet questions, stories and tips to cathy@petpundit.com. Please include your name, city, and state. You can follow her @cathymrosenthal.)