Dogs and Thunderstorms. It is heartbreaking to watch our beloved and otherwise well behaved dogs turn into nervous wrecks in thunderstorms. Thunderstorm phobia is very real and not uncommon. Dogs dont only react to the loud noises but can hear low frequency sounds that we cant, they also react to static electricity in lightening and changes in barometric pressure. There are a few things we can do to help combat stress in ourselves and our dogs. Dogs feed off human emotions and body language, so if you are stressed and upset because of the way your dog is behaving, the more stress you are putting on your dog, try and be as calm as possible. Training should be done everyday and in every situation, so when a thunderstorm is looming, they are aware of the commands you are giving them. It is important to remember that all dogs are different and what works for one may not work for you. 1. We can do training with our dogs to teach them to lie calmly beside you or at your feet on command. 2. Always praise calm behaviour, dogs will soon learn that they get rewards for doing nothing and no reward for bad behaviour. 3. During a storm distract your dog, offer them their favourite toys, play with and treat them but only when they are calm, especially important to reward good behaviour in between thunder claps and when the thunder is dying down. 4. Have a safe place for your dog, watch where they go, they will try to find a dark place so they cannot see what is going on, make sure they can come and go freely or you will increase their anxiety. 5. Play low soothing music. 6. Tight fitting shirts/wraps may help. 7. During times of no thunderstorms, get a CD of a storm and play it low in the background while you are playing with your dog, increase the volume over a few months and only when the dog does not react to the noise, stop and start from the beginning if they become anxious. The goal is to get your dog used to the sound of thunder and its association with good things. 8. You may not be home in a thunderstorm so desensitising and counter conditioning as above can help, but they can also be used in conjunction with anti-stress medication only prescribed by a vet and plug in diffusers. 9. Having your dog close to you and petting them will also reassure and make them feel secure. All this is trial and error and can take months of continuous training and conditioning. The cure can be elusive, but improvement can be reached. The only right response is the one that is right for you and your dog. If you would like further advice or a training plan please dont hesitate to contact me.
Posted on: Sat, 19 Jul 2014 09:31:33 +0000
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