Expert: Anne Springer, B.S., Dip., CAPCT - 8/20/2010

Question
My aussie is EXTREMELY sensitive to abrupt noises.  Especially popping sounds -
i.e. fireworks, construction work, balloons popping, etc.  She freaks out and just
starts running away.  One time she ran 5 miles and it took me 15 hours to find
her - and by the grace of god I did.  Is this common in her breed?

Answer
It's not uncommon in a lot of breeds, including Aussies.  There is a very good article on noise phobia here: http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=1+1551&aid=2545  My preference is for desensitization and counter-conditioning over medication, but I would use medication if necessary.  There's a relatively new product that helps many dogs.  It's called a Thunder Shirt: http://www.thundershirt.com/
There's another similar product called the Anxiety Wrap: http://anxietywrap.com/default.aspx  Both are relatively inexpensive, and some people swear by them.  
The other thing you may want to teach your dog is an emergency whistle recall (not saying that it will be successful, but it's better to have it than not). http://www.dogwise.com/ItemDetails.cfm?ID=DTB1100