Lightening Storms and your Dog

Does your dog act like it is the end of the world whenever a storm hits? Does he or she cower, run and hide at every clap of thunder? Fortunately, there are ways to minimize this behavior and cast away your dog's fear.


Steps

1 During a thunderstorm, do not console your frightened dog. Do not cuddle and be their protector. If you do this, how do you think the dog will cope when you are not there? If you hug your dog each time that he runs to you during the thunder, and say, "It's okay, it's okay...", your dog will assume that you are available to do this whenever the dog comes looking for protection. If you act like he needs protection, he's going to assume he needs it. Additionally, your dog might think that you are praising it for being afraid. If it learns that cowering in the corner during bad weather yields hugs and kisses, it will form the habit of doing that every storm.

2 Train your dog to chase away the thunder and lightning. During a thunderstorm, get your dog's attention by saying in an excited voice, "What is that?" a few times. Then command him/her to "Get it!". The "Get it" can be done by barking at the vile noise. This gives them power over their fear. Guess what? The lightning/thunder stops after a few seconds. Your dog has saved the day by making it stop! Verbally reward your dog, thanking them for stopping the thunder and lightning!

Limit the amount of time the dog spends chasing the thunder. After three laps, for example, the thunder will have subsided and you can say, "Good !! Okay, come on. It's all gone!" Lots of love and hugs for his astounding job of protecting both of us! If he tries to continue after three laps, though, gently but firmly, reprimand him, "That's enough. It is all gone. Come!". Don't replace one obsession with another.

Train the dog so she is able to do this inside, in case there is a concern about lightning striking, or if the dog is home alone when a storm comes.

3 Desensitize the dog. There are CDs that you can purchase which make the noises of a thunderstorm. Play them at various times of day, starting with the volume very low. Make it louder and louder until the dog is used to it. This will only partially desensitize the dog, since there are also electrical disturbances in a storm that can't be mimicked by a CD.


4 Use dryer sheets. It sounds weird, but many dogs dislike lightning because it causes static in their fur. Rubbing your dog down with a dryer sheet will help make the uncomfortable sensations go away, and maybe even send him back to sleep! (But see Warnings, below)

Tips

If the dog's anxiety level is so high that it destroys the house trying to find refuge from the storm, or it spreads anxiety to other dogs in the house, ask a veterinarian about having a sedative on hand to deal with this

If your dog is very young and is experiencing thunderstorms for the first time, you will have a much easier time to keep him from being frightened. Simply act around him like there's nothing going on. If the dog see's his/her owner acting like usual, the dog is going to assume everything is fine, and will act according to that. This also works for dogs that are afraid of fireworks.



Warnings

Do NOT let the dog chew dryer sheets as he/she can get VERY sick!

Be careful when playing rough games, especially indoors. If a loud clap of thunder booms, the dog may get scared and bump into something or try to bite.

Sedated dogs may have a difficult time traversing stairways, so be careful! Carry your dog if at all possible, or walk lower on the stairs relative to them, to stop them if they slip and fall.

Don't scold your dog for showing fear during a storm. That only gives your dog another reason to be afraid.

Our thanks to WikiHow