How do you calm a dog down that is afraid of thunder storms?
04-20-2011, 04:13 PM
#21
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: North Texas
Posts: 8,710
Fortunately the past doesn't matter, and her age isn't relevant. This fear is something that can be addressed at any age. No, it won't be as easy as buying a bottle of tranquilizers but the results will last much longer and be better for the dog.[/quote]
YOur comments did sound a little "hard" but I see you have lots of pets instead of children so I know you must know what you are telling us. It's obvious you love your pets . Sometimes, it hard for us to do the "tough love" thing with our pets. Just like with our children, so next time one of mine act up, I will try this method too. I was too easy wtih my kids too. LOL♥♥
YOur comments did sound a little "hard" but I see you have lots of pets instead of children so I know you must know what you are telling us. It's obvious you love your pets . Sometimes, it hard for us to do the "tough love" thing with our pets. Just like with our children, so next time one of mine act up, I will try this method too. I was too easy wtih my kids too. LOL♥♥
04-20-2011, 04:28 PM
#24
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Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Michigan's Upper Peninsula
Posts: 857
Julie R, I like your advice. The dogs pay attention to the alpha figure and can change their behavior.
I am working on stopping our shih tzu from barking at the deer outside our home. The younger shih tzu is focused on treats and gets micro treats and lots of praise. He is coming along very nicely. Our babies had been exhausting themselves barking and the noise level was distressing for the so-called parental figures :)
My heart goes out to you, Craftybear!!!
I am working on stopping our shih tzu from barking at the deer outside our home. The younger shih tzu is focused on treats and gets micro treats and lots of praise. He is coming along very nicely. Our babies had been exhausting themselves barking and the noise level was distressing for the so-called parental figures :)
My heart goes out to you, Craftybear!!!
04-20-2011, 04:41 PM
#26
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Florida
Posts: 6,385
I’ve tried singing to them but DH said this is animal abuse LOL!! :-P
I worked for a vet and this was a common concern of dog owners. He suggested getting thunder and lightning music – yes you can buy this. On a day it isn’t raining start it off very, very quietly and very gradually turn it up loud. He also said to behave ‘normal’ so your pet picks up on your calm vibes. I haven’t done this but many of his patients said it worked for them.
I worked for a vet and this was a common concern of dog owners. He suggested getting thunder and lightning music – yes you can buy this. On a day it isn’t raining start it off very, very quietly and very gradually turn it up loud. He also said to behave ‘normal’ so your pet picks up on your calm vibes. I haven’t done this but many of his patients said it worked for them.
04-20-2011, 04:47 PM
#27
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: middle America
Posts: 2,849
Originally Posted by JulieR
Okay, this is going to sound very unpopular but just hear me out. LOL
DO NOT comfort a dog that is afraid. Don't coddle him, pet him or otherwise try to "love" him better.
Why not? For the same reason that you DO pet him when he does something good: you are telling him that whatever he just did is the right thing to do! So when you pet him while he's panicking in a storm you're telling him he was right - he SHOULD be afraid!
Instead, you need to be calm and confident. Lead by example - project the idea that there is nothing to fear, and that you are in control of the situation. You aren't going to let anything bad happen to him, but you can't tell him that with words or petting - instead, let your body language and energy tell him that.
As tough as it is, you have to ignore the behavior you don't want. In this case, I would put him in a sit or down position next to you, silently project your calm confidence and read a book or sew something. As long as he is sitting where you asked him to be, ignore him until he calms down - THEN you can praise him, thereby reinforcing the relaxed behavior.
No drugs, no feeling sorry for him. Instead help him face his fears and get over them. It isn't easy and it won't be instant, but I promise it's well worth the effort!
DO NOT comfort a dog that is afraid. Don't coddle him, pet him or otherwise try to "love" him better.
Why not? For the same reason that you DO pet him when he does something good: you are telling him that whatever he just did is the right thing to do! So when you pet him while he's panicking in a storm you're telling him he was right - he SHOULD be afraid!
Instead, you need to be calm and confident. Lead by example - project the idea that there is nothing to fear, and that you are in control of the situation. You aren't going to let anything bad happen to him, but you can't tell him that with words or petting - instead, let your body language and energy tell him that.
As tough as it is, you have to ignore the behavior you don't want. In this case, I would put him in a sit or down position next to you, silently project your calm confidence and read a book or sew something. As long as he is sitting where you asked him to be, ignore him until he calms down - THEN you can praise him, thereby reinforcing the relaxed behavior.
No drugs, no feeling sorry for him. Instead help him face his fears and get over them. It isn't easy and it won't be instant, but I promise it's well worth the effort!
04-20-2011, 04:50 PM
#28
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: North Texas
Posts: 8,710
Originally Posted by JulieR
Originally Posted by np3
CraftyBear, you might have the same problem with the 4th of July if you are anywhere near fireworks. My DD's dogs don't mind the storms too much (ours are mild here) but hate the fireworks.
I'd talk to the vet about the meds. No telling what she has experienced in the past. She isn't a puppy you are training.
I'd talk to the vet about the meds. No telling what she has experienced in the past. She isn't a puppy you are training.
BTW it does matter because in a previous post, this is a rescue dog and is 5 yrs old and no telling how she was abused in the life before Craftybear rescued her. I think it is relevant. Just saying...these are the facts that weren't on this post.♥♥
04-20-2011, 04:55 PM
#29
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: SC
Posts: 1,309
what we do for our golden is to crate her....soon as she starts getting upset into the crate she goes. It works wonders! Instead of potentially keeping us up all night barking, whining and pacing she lays down and sleeps.
04-20-2011, 04:57 PM
#30
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: british columbia
Posts: 938
Originally Posted by JulieR
Okay, this is going to sound very unpopular but just hear me out. LOL
DO NOT comfort a dog that is afraid. Don't coddle him, pet him or otherwise try to "love" him better.
Why not? For the same reason that you DO pet him when he does something good: you are telling him that whatever he just did is the right thing to do! So when you pet him while he's panicking in a storm you're telling him he was right - he SHOULD be afraid!
Instead, you need to be calm and confident. Lead by example - project the idea that there is nothing to fear, and that you are in control of the situation. You aren't going to let anything bad happen to him, but you can't tell him that with words or petting - instead, let your body language and energy tell him that.
As tough as it is, you have to ignore the behavior you don't want. In this case, I would put him in a sit or down position next to you, silently project your calm confidence and read a book or sew something. As long as he is sitting where you asked him to be, ignore him until he calms down - THEN you can praise him, thereby reinforcing the relaxed behavior.
No drugs, no feeling sorry for him. Instead help him face his fears and get over them. It isn't easy and it won't be instant, but I promise it's well worth the effort!
DO NOT comfort a dog that is afraid. Don't coddle him, pet him or otherwise try to "love" him better.
Why not? For the same reason that you DO pet him when he does something good: you are telling him that whatever he just did is the right thing to do! So when you pet him while he's panicking in a storm you're telling him he was right - he SHOULD be afraid!
Instead, you need to be calm and confident. Lead by example - project the idea that there is nothing to fear, and that you are in control of the situation. You aren't going to let anything bad happen to him, but you can't tell him that with words or petting - instead, let your body language and energy tell him that.
As tough as it is, you have to ignore the behavior you don't want. In this case, I would put him in a sit or down position next to you, silently project your calm confidence and read a book or sew something. As long as he is sitting where you asked him to be, ignore him until he calms down - THEN you can praise him, thereby reinforcing the relaxed behavior.
No drugs, no feeling sorry for him. Instead help him face his fears and get over them. It isn't easy and it won't be instant, but I promise it's well worth the effort!
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