Any suggestions on how to deal with a dog that is TERRIFIED of thunderstorms? He is otherwise very well-behaved, and even though he's scared during a storm, he doesn't do anything wrong. He just tries to hide under beds or in closets and doesn't sleep when there is a storm going on. He's 5 yrs. old so not a puppy issue. Any suggestions appreciated - Thanks.

 At this point, I doubt he will get much better. But I must say, giving a dog affection when he is not stable is not a good idea. That goes for when they are aggressive( i.e. mailman) or Jumpy. Best thing to do at this point is ignore the situation.One of my shelter dogs is not good either.  Most likely these dogs have weak nerves( breeding) or no socialization when it was a pup. This is why from 8 to 16 weeks of age, the pup needs to be exposed to as much as possible. people, places things. First oportunity I had to get my pup out to experience thunder I did. He now doesn't even acknowledge it, as well as fireworks.Obedience training is always a plus. You can control him outside when thunder is faint, and put him through a routine. Maybe he will be a bit more relaxed.

 Frank

My trainer said the "exact" same thing as Frank said above.....you do not show signs of affection or comfort them..... you go about your business like the thunder storm is no big deal.....if the dog tries to hide, let it go hide, but don't go looking for him....if he whines and tries to get in your lap, put him down and ignore it.......

Thanks for all the advice. I've tried ignoring the situation and just letting him deal with it and that's OK; he doesn't get really hysterical or anything. I just feel bad for him and want to relieve his anxiety, but I try not to make a big deal out of it. He's not overly timid in any other area; he's really a great dog. I had a discussion with someone I met at the dog park and they said that a crate or big box might make him feel more secure - something he can crawl into and feel safe. Someone else suggested getting a tape or CD with thunderstorm noises on it and playing it, quietly at first and gradually increasing the volume so he gets more accustomed to it and sees that it's not threatening. So I think I'll try the "escape cave"  next. I've had Wally for about 4 years; he is a rescue so I don't know his "puppy history" and since he's practically perfect in every other way, I guess we'll just continue to deal with it as best we can and hope our rain comes in the way of showers without the thunder and lightning!!

Thanks again for the input.

I with you Two, I don't like the idea of drugging my dog. I mean, if they are in pain, I will be the first to give them meds from the vet. I think sometimes people depend on meds too much, and I just don't like the idea of doping my dog up because she is insecure or scared. I know it's a personal preference kind of thing, but I can't imagine giving a child drugs if they were scared of the dark or something. It's kind of like that with my dog. If it's not a constant behavior, then it's probably something better worked through with training.

Hello,

I have read all the feedback from members about your dog and his fear of thunder.  I had a German shorhair pointer who came to live with us first in our barn for a few days then came to dinner one night when it was time to feed the rest of our 15 dogs.  He was a beautiful boy, young and a true gentleman and sweetheart.  We named him Bob.  We were living in Missouri at the time and we got great big storms.

First storm Bob headed for the bedroom and hid in the closet, he was shaking so bad,  we did comfort him but left him in the closet and kept a close eye on him because he was so scared.  He would not come out until the storm passed.  Gunshots also scared him and fireworks.  He was a hunting breed but he flunked hunting I guess,  we believe he was dumped off because of this.  We didn't care, he was a love.

I found out from a health food store owner that Rescue Remedy would help his problem.  It is all natural and is for humans also, so I figured it would be safe for Bob.  It relaxed him and he could rest.  I have recommended it many times to people with pets with these fears and it works every time.  My daughter's boyfriend had a big Rottweiler who was scared to death on July 4th.  He actually got away once which is very dangerous for the dog,  I can't tell you how many times a have found dogs running frantically down a street on July 4th.  Fortunately I have been able to get them in my car, sometimes they run to me and get in with no trouble.  Some are lost to their people forever because they will run forever in fear. My daughter bought Rescue Remedy and it worked for the Rott.

Playing thunder music is the worst possible thing you could do so I am glad you are not following that recommendation.  A safe warm place like the closet is a good place to allow them to go to, a soft kind word and a stroke on the head works so well.  Speaking from experience my friend.  Sitting in the room until the storm passes is a great thing to help him through his fears. They are so worth it.

Good Luck and never give up

Cheryl 

I

Hello, my Sheltie is the same way and she is a rescue.  I buy a product called QUIET MOMENTS, type that into the computer search and you'll find it on line. Its not expensive at all and its all natural (see description below). I think I purchase mine threw HealthyPets.com

Calming aid for dogs.

Quiet Moments offers support to your dog during periods of anxiety, nervousness, tension or stress such as traveling, grooming, thunderstorms, 4th of July, or trips to the veterinarian.

Contains all natural active ingredients

Works pretty well just to relax them.  The other tricks I've use is running the wash machine and putting them in the room if you can. The noise of the machine blocks the Thunder, the other thing that works is the bathroom fan if you have one, or a couple room fans with the TV on works also.  If its night the TV screen seems to block the flashes of lighting to.  These are my tricks along with the Quiet moments and we get threw them very well.

So your saying take the dog out in a storm?

I have adopted a 7 year old Shih Tzu from a puppy mill about 5 months ago.  She is  a wonderful dog and a great companion,  though at the first clap of thunder she is an absolute nervous wreck for about 45 minutes, shaking uncontrollably.  I have given her Benadryl at the first sign of a few storms and after about 20 minutes they calm her down, but she still shakes horribly.  I guess due to her prior circumstances I feel so sorry for her during the storms.  I also worry about her when I am at work and I know a storm is approaching where we live.

Any advice from anyone would be most appreciated.  Other than storms (and she still doesn't misbehave, just scared), she is a wonderful dog.  She follows me everywhere and is never more than a few feet away.  She has adapted very well to her new surroundings and seems most grateful she has someone who loves her and takes good care of her.

Thanks for any suggestions.